I do foresee Kobe opting out, but it won't be to go elsewhere. If anything, I think he actually takes less money, that way we have more wiggle room when it comes to bringing back Bynum and potentially Gasol later down the line.
Why should Kobe have to take less money to accomadate the role players on the team? I think these guys should be honored to play alongside him for the greatest NBA franchise. Not to mention being able to live in California. These guys should be the ones sacrificing, not Kobe.
I agree with Shape, I see Kobe maximizing his NBA contract. That funny posturing he made about moving to Europe was also a sign that he wants to get paid.
The NBA is a business, which means it is money first. If Kobe opts out, it is because he is looking to get paid.
I'm hoping that Kobe's #1 priority isn't money, especially if a juicy offer comes in from Europe. Same goes for Lebron, I don't want either them to go to Europe.