Kobe Bryant says he’ll play past his current contract

Kobe Bryant has waffled back and forth over when he’ll retire. One day, he’s retiring following next season. The next day, he’s playing until he’s 40.

On Friday, Bryant suggested the latter was true. In an interview on the Stephen A. Smith radio show, Bryant indirectly hinted at playing past next season.

"“My goal is to win more than five,” said Bryant. “If he does win five, hopefully that pushes our organization upstairs to be even more determined and more driven to make the necessary expenses to make sure we continue the next year and the year after that.”"

As is, Bryant is set to make $30 million next season, the final year of his 3-year, $84 million extension he signed in April of 2010. Prior to his injury, Bryant kept suggesting that his body was breaking down and he couldn’t take the toll of multiple more NBA seasons. However, following his injury, the tone has changed and Bryant seems motivated again to play on past next year.

Considering the numbers he put up last season, Bryant only appears to be getting better with time. However, father time will eventually catch up to Bryant.

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