Free Agency: Kobe Speaks, ‘Melo Doesn’t, Lebron’s Deciding

Kobe Bryant: Four months have come and gone since Kobe Bryant addressed the media. Back in March Kobe announced, begrudgingly, and a little angrily, his season was over. That was spring. Now it is summer. Today Kobe was in Santa Barbara for his basketball camp and took the time to give his own State of the Lakers address. But first the State of Kobe address. His health is in such a good place Kobe feels “crisp”. He is hardly worried about his Achilles or his knee. Of course, almost all the questions revolved around free agency.

Rumor alert: Kobe and Carmelo were not at UCLA on Sunday, not alone, not  together.

Oct 18, 2013; Shanghai, Shanghai Province, China; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) in pre-game warm up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Mercedes-Benz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Danny La-USA TODAY Sports

With that out the way, Kobe showed his appreciation for the Lakers free agency strategy. Trying to hit a home run with Carmelo Anthony is the type of bold thinking Kobe admires.  Frankly, it is so Dr. Jerry Buss. While fans have been on pins and needles Kobe is unbothered by the waiting game of Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony perhaps because he has been in their shoes. Kobe has taken a pretty casual approach to it all. “Talking every now and then and seeing how they’re doing and that’s pretty much it”, he said, referring to his recruitment.

He and Carmelo clicked in 2008 and Kobe believes they could play well together. “It would be fine. It would be more than fine.”  As for another free agent, his teammate of six years, Pau Gasol, Kobe gave him the advice to enjoy himself as he sifts through the offers from multiple teams. “The ball’s in your court”. Regardless of Carmelo’s decision- sign or leave- Kobe is comfortable. “We have several options…Plan B is a solid plan. You just have to play the waiting game a little bit and see what things shake out.”

Carmelo Anthony: Sources close to him revealed he is going back to New York to accept the 5 year $129 million dollar deal, in other words…follow the money. Leon Rose, Carmelo’s agent was quick to point out a decision had not been made. Whatever.  Carmelo will formally announce his intentions tomorrow. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, there was never any backroom deal for Carmelo to go to Miami. Carmelo and Lebron, according to Wojnarowski, haven’t spoken in a few days.

Lebron James:  With the city of Cleveland holding their breath again (is it possible Lebron jams them twice?) Lebron met with Pat Riley in Las Vegas to discuss his future. Not much was decided. A source told Yahoo Sports, as reported by Marc Spears, Lebron had to talk with his family. No new meetings. This much happened today. The Cavs cleared cap space by trading Jarret Jack, Tyler Zeller and Sergey Karasev. They could have added Lebron without the trade but this clears about $9 million dollars and allows the Cavs to sign Mike Miller, Ray Allen, James Jones or other shooters Lebron wants in Cleveland. The elephant in the room is Dan Gilbert and that letter he wrote after Lebron defected to Miami four years ago. Can Lebron forgive that?

May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons (25) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Parsons: He signed an offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks that will pay him $15 million dollars a year. Forget Jodie Meeks. This is the biggest overpay of free agency. Chandler Parson will be making more than Drik Nowitzki. He will be making the same amount as LaMarcus Aldridge. He will be making the same amount of money as Russell Westbrook. He will be making more than Joakim Noah. Steph Curry. Serge Ibaka.  If Houston matches the offer sheet that ends their Chris Bosh romance. If they don’t match the offer sheet and Lebron stays in Miami and Chris Bosh stays in Miami, the Dallas Mavericks have found a way to weaken a team in their division.

Chris Bosh:  He wants to stay in Miami but not if Lebron James bolts to Cleveland. So he has covered all of the bases. If Lebron leaves he goes to Houston, 4 years $88 million dollars. If Lebron stays so does Chris Bosh.

Greivis Vasquez– he has rejoined the Toronto Raptors on a two year $13 million dollar deal to back up Kyle Lowry.