He has not played a game yet this season, but Kobe Bryant cemented that he will be a Laker for life. Bryant tweeted a picture earlier of a 2-year/$48 million contract that he was signing with the Lakers. By negotiating now, this allows the Laker to look into signing a big free agent after the season. In 2014, both Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony can become free agents if they decide to opt out of their contracts. Bryant is one of very few players who spend their entire career with one team.
The Buss family who owns the Lakers wanted to make sure he remained the highest paid player, and it is in Los Angeles. He is the Lakers fourth ranked scorer in the franchise’s history. The NBA’s over-36 rule does not allow teams to sign players over the age of 36 to longer than a two-year deal. It is unclear when Bryant will return to the court. He started practicing with his teammates this month, but it has been non-contact.
