I've been saying that I think he'd opt out for less to keep a title contending team together for a couple months now. I think it's the smart thing to do. He doesn't need the money. Between his contracts and and endorsements, he, his children and his grandchildren are probably all set for life. He wants to win a title now, plain and simple.
I still don't believe it. However, I could see him NOT opting out of his contract. But I don't think he'd take a paycut unless we win the title and he wants to keep Ariza and Odom here.
My opinion is of a broader context. I believe that all NBA players contracts should be reduced, mainly due to the global economic crisis. Why are players being made so much when half of them arent earning nearly enough of what they have made. My point is players need to start being rated in terms of status, are they superstars, future hall of famers, role players etc.once a realistic rating system is introduced then an earning system should be combined so that superstars are getting what they are earning, a maximum of 15 mil a year, nothing higher because that is ridiculous. role players should be earning a maximum of 7 mil a year, 6th men 6 a year, bench guys a maximum of 4 mil and end of the bench guys a max of 2 mil a year. players can also earn bonuses in terms of mvp voting, all star voting, awards etc. i mean i have read articles that are similar to what i'm saying but i didnt save them so i cant really back up my argument with them. But i can back it up with this: the global economic crisis. this is effecting everyone around the world and the NBA need to recognize what they are spending on and set some sort of a budget for Christ sake! how do players like Kwame Brown earn 9 mil a year! it is criminal! its worse than those sneaky fraud guys in the stock take who don't do anything to make millions, because these overpaid NBA players, and that is pretty much all of them, are doing it right in front of our faces. i hope kobe is smart enough to realize that he is a role model to so many people, and if he takes a pay cut, maybe others will follow suit.
I could see a scenario play out where Kobe agrees to take less salary, but gets a percentage of ownership once he retires? Similar to what the team did with Magic. I'm not sure if that's allowed under the new CBA rules, but I'm sure they could figure something out.
What incentive does he really have to ask for more money if he opts out? He's already got more money than what he or his children will ever know what to do with. If he wants to win another few titles before he retires, he'd take the paycut, and I think he wants to win more than he would want money. Plus, you act like taking a paycut down to $16-18mil isn't a lot of money. That's still an absolutely huge contract and will still be more than enough money for him. I think if he wants to win, he'll take the paycut. It'd also be a nice showing to the organization that has stuck with him through everything if he were to take a paycut and allow them to keep this unit together.
This isn't good. I can already see it. Headline 1: Kobe Bryant Opts Out Headline 2: Kobe Bryant meets with Reinsdorf and Paxson. Headline 3: Kobe Bryant Looks To Sign With Bulls Headline 4: Paxson Refuses To Trade Kirk Hinrich For Kobe Bryant! Headline 5: Kobe Bryant Re-Signs With Lakers I don't want to see this can of worms get opened up for a third time.
why would Kobe want to leave the Lakers to play with the Bulls? The bulls have too much players that have similar games to Kobe (games that need the rock to score or be efficient that is, e.g. Gordon, Salmons), but if Kobe arrives he'll surely be the top dog. So what would happen? someone would be forced to leave lol and even IF Kobe went to the bulls, they wouldn't be a lock for the Finals imo. plus Gasol + Odom + Bynum + Ariza >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rose + Gordon + Salmons + Noah + Thomas (its not even close) overall, st*pid thought
