Lakers Expect Kobe Bryant To Retire In 2016

[Alpha_]

Mitch Kupchak has said he expects the 15-16 season to be the final one for Kobe Bryant.

"He has indicated to me that this is it," Kupchak said. "There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don't think there will be."

Bryant will be in the final season of his current deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and will earn $25 million.

"I think it is clear," he continued. "He's on the last year of his deal. There have been no discussions [about playing beyond next season]. He hasn't indicated that he wants to continue to play."

Kupchak refused to completely dismiss the possibility of Bryant returning, saying "a year from now, if there's something different to discuss, then it will be discussed then."

Bryant played in just 36 games last season as he continues to be limited by injuries.

[Kevin]

Excuse me while I attempt to kill myself.

[Andrew]

No surprises there, that was the talk before this season, too; that Kobe would play out the final two years of his contract, and that'd be it.

Frankly, it's for the best. Look, Kobe is an all-time great, he's helped the Lakers win a lot of games, and five championships in the past fifteen years. But at this point, he's also holding them back from transitioning into a new era. There's no way he's taking a back seat, a la Tim Duncan, which means his farewell tour is going to be him frantically gunning away to add to his career scoring total, quite possibly shooting the ball at a woeful sub-40% clip like he did this season. If he's not going to step aside like other long-tenured all-time greats, then the Lakers are going to have to wait for him to retire before they can move forward. Bringing him back beyond next season is only going to delay that transition, and extend an uncharacteristic period of irrelevance for the Lakers.

[Jackal]

Was pretty much known like you said.

They've got a nice young core to build around and as soon as Kobe comes off the books quite a shitload of money with the cap going up to sign marquee players if they would want to sign there.

[JAWSFreelao]

Will always love Kobe as one of the all-time greats. The ultimate competitor embodied into a basketball spirit.

[NovU]

The Lakers have done a superb job going forward. But Kobe's gonna have to hinder young players development for next season. If he plays beyond that, he's gonna have to learn to play Eddie Jones in late career. I doubt that though.

Next year is going to be another poor year for the Lakers, possibly out of playoffs picture. This raises the question if they're to chase another high pick or try to actually compete.

[Jackal]

If Kobe can stay healthy, I'd say compete. It's top 3 protected next year, doubt they'd get that lucky twice in a row.

[Andrew]

I can't see a team led by Kobe not trying to compete, but at the same time, I doubt they'll be a top team.

[NovU]

Then another question is whether or not the Lakers will make a move in FA market. DeAndre/Marc/Aldridge aren't obviously coming to LAL. Maybe Monroe and Rondo, but I think there's great chance they'll hinder young players' much needed development, especially Monroe. Besides they'll come with heavy price tag for years of contract. That said, because LAL being a sexy market team, there'll be plenty of players that want to come. Interesente.

[Kevin]

Lakers would then be stacked in the PF/C position with Randle Hill Boozer (and probably KAT or Okafor) if they decide to sign Monroe.

[NovU]

It'd be too crowded tho. Ideally you want Randle and KAT all the minutes they can handle to develop their young game.



BTW does anyone think Lin will come back or should?

[Andrew]

Boozer's a free agent. I'm guessing they won't be bringing him back, especially if they're pursuing someone like Monroe.

[Kevin]

Hopefully Lin would come back but maybe he'd want to stay away from LA because of Coach Scott

[Bruce]

Hopefully Lin would come back but maybe he'd want to stay away from LA because of Coach Scott

I think there would probably be interest from J Lin to return, but I don't know why the Lakers/Scott is so high on price. It might seem to me that price would likely get an offer ahead of Lin. If the Lakers can grab somebody better as starting PG, then I think that will be the end for Lin in LA. I think Lin is a good kid, but his friction with Scott and Kobe mean he is at the outside looking in. Other than a point guard, another alienated player in nick young and wesley johnson being unable to develop probably means the Lakers would put more attention in the SF spot first. Most likely, the rumors regarding LA's interest in Demarre Caroll must be true.

The Lakers have done a superb job going forward. But Kobe's gonna have to hinder young players development for next season. If he plays beyond that, he's gonna have to learn to play Eddie Jones in late career. I doubt that though.

Next year is going to be another poor year for the Lakers, possibly out of playoffs picture. This raises the question if they're to chase another high pick or try to actually compete.

It would be risky for the Lakers to go for another high pick this coming season, because if the Lakers do not get in to the top 3, then the Lakers would owe the pick to philly.