Will they stay or will they go?

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Kobe Bryant

No, this isn’t even debatable. Not only will Bryant not go to any other team at this point in his career, the Lakers wouldn’t let or force him to leave. Regardless of his recent injury, he’s earned the right to retire a Laker. It’s simply a matter of whether or not Bryant will take a pay cut. While he claims he won’t, that’s simply a negotiating ploy. Bryant understands the business of basketball and understands he can’t take another $30 million contract.

I expect, and hope, he’ll take a contract in the neighborhood of what Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett did, between $10 and $15 million. The Lakers would be best to extend his contract during the season, to avoid the cap hold mess of next summer.