The future for the L.A. Lakers looks extremely bright, but they will likely take the next step as a franchise without one Kobe Bryant.
For most of us, Kobe Bryant not playing in the NBA is something we’ll have to see to actually believe. According to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, “this is it for Bryant.”
“He has indicated to me that this is it,” Kupchak said Thursday in a radio appearance with SiriusXM NBA Radio.
In what will be his 20th season — Bryant will follow Michael Jordan — and bow out as the NBA highest paid player in his final season.
It’s not the $33 million Jordan received in his final season with the Bulls, but $25 million should do.
“I think first and foremost, he’s on the last year of a deal,” Kupchak told SiriusXM NBA Radio. “There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don’t think there will be.”
I think any discussion about Bryant returning for a 21st season should be tapered off until he proves he can finish another season.
It’s been a few years since the ‘Mamba’ actually finished the year in uniform.