Kobe Bryant $84 Million Extension – Kobe Bryant may ultimately be a Los Angeles Laker for life and retire as the organizations’ franchise player after signing a three-year extension reportedly worth nearly $90 million.
During an eleven-o-clock news conference Friday night, the Los Angeles Laker guard spoke on signing his three-year contract extension earlier in the day that will keep him in L.A. through 2014.
“It’s very rare to have a player his entire career in one city. I’m very excited about it,” he said.
When asked whether this means he will finish his career as a Laker and could this be the last contract he signs, he replied, “Pretty much. It’s possible. I doubt it, but it’s possible.”
For Bryant the decision was easy to remain in purple and gold, however, spectators suggested otherwise.
“I didn’t weigh anything. I knew I was going to be here,” the star athlete said about opting out after this season. Both knew (referring to himself and the Lakers organization). We heard a lot of people talk, and stuff like that. We both did a great job in terms of it not being a distraction, kind of keeping it below the radar, just working at it diligently.”
The MVP expressed his love for Coach Phil Jackson and how important it is for him to play with Jackson next season, saying, “It’s a big part of me as a player. I enjoy playing for him. I made it very clear to him today that I would love to see him be back. That’s all I’m going to say about that.”
Bryant will possibly be the greatest Laker player of all time when it’s all said and done. But the NBA player remains humble at that notion, as he shared his feelings of signing on the dotted line once again, while reflecting on how he’s grown from a young boy into a man as a Los Angeles Laker and what an honor it’s been.
“It’s truly a huge honor. When I walked in today to sign the contract they had a picture of me on the wall of the first contract I signed when I was 17… and I had no facial hair. I can remember the day like it was yesterday. Fast forward to today and it’s really a blessing to be in one city.
“The honor comes in being a part of that conversation. To say that one Laker is the greatest Laker of all-time is impossible because of all the greats that have played here. The challenge that I have is making that discussion as interesting as possible. Winning a couple more championships will certainly do that. Hopefully we’ll get it done.”
