With Kobe’s pending free agency this summer, it looks like the Lakers will play out the season before trying to resign the 5 time champion:
He becomes a free agent at the end of the season, and Jim Buss says because of the pay structure of the NBA, the Lakers will allow Kobe to become a free agent.
He says he has talked to Kobe and believes they have an understanding, Bryant waiting as a free agent while the team spends to upgrade and then using what is left over to pay Kobe.
The Lakers are projected to have one of their worst seasons this year and possibly finish last in the conference. It makes sense for them to wait and see how they do this season before signing Kobe for say 3 years. They could also wait and see if they can sign other pieces and still have room to sign Kobe as well.
This could be interesting.