Kobe Bryant addresses contract, loyalty and retirement
By Harry Burden
On Sunday evening, whilst seeking their first win in six attempts this season, the Lakers steamrolled the Charlotte Hornets in a 92-107 victory in Los Angeles, during which Kobe Bryant scored 21 points, notched 4 assists and gathered 6 rebounds.
After reservedly trudging off of the court, Bryant took questions, as usual, from the media, in which he addressed, once again, a burning question on the minds of the Lakers’ fanbase: will he play basketball beyond his current contract, terminating in 2016.
His answer?
"“Nah, not really, but I’m so loyal to this organization, there’s not a chance (of him leaving).”“I’ve been really fortunate to win a lot of games here, a lot of championships here. You can’t **** with (that).”– Sam Amick, USA Today. (some prose removed)"
After continuously slamming rumors in the media earlier this week that he would request a trade away from the Purple and Gold, Bryant reiterated his desire to end his career with the Lakers, whether that be at the end of this season or during the next.
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"It’s not going to happen,” Bryant told USA TODAY Sports when asked if the temptation to change teams might still grow from here. “It’s not going to happen. You go through the good times, you’ve got to go through the bad times.”– Sam Amick, USA Today."
Should he ever wish to leave the Lakers before the end of his contract. Bryant spoke of how such a move would be contractually impossible as his latest deal with L.A. would prohibit such a course of action.
"“I have a no-trade clause. Jeanie (Buss) and Jimmie (Buss) aren’t sending me anywhere.”– Sam Amick, USA Today. (some prose removed)"
Kobe certainly has goals to motivate him during his twilight years in the NBA: the elusive sixth ring, crawling up the all-time scorers’ list and maintaing his health all being personally set targets. Whether or not such feats will be achieved during the few remaining years he has is another question, but one cannot help but admire the continued enthusiasm from a man whose loyalty and determination have been a constant source of support to one of the most famed franchises in the history of sport.
Do you believe Kobe should continue playing basketball – presumably with the Lakers – beyond 2016? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below; it’s certainly a big argument.