I've calculated that he'll break Kareem's point record at pretty much 38 years old with some conservative estimation and with him staying healthy, so until that I don't see him leaving.
With how good of shape Kobe is in, I think he can easily stay this productive into his mid-30s, if not later, and I think he can continue to be a productive player into his early 40s.
i hate too see Kobe not be the most dominating player in the league (like Reggie was at the end, MJ was still pretty dominant but played for a mediocre team) Kobe should retire around 37 or 38 before he becomes like reggie (14ppg ugh!)
ugh...i think the Lakers might hobble themselves down the line by overpaying for Kobe's last couple of years...Hope he can compromise on his salary....or GTFO
Kobe has earned whatever comes to him on the basketball court. The way he's marketed he'll make up for his loss in production anyway.
Yeah, its called his current contract. Lakers dont owe him shit except for whats in the current contract What are you talking about? I dont care if Kobe makes money. I care that the Lakers are successful. He says 7-8 more years. I already think we are gonna be overpaying him in his upcoming 5 year contract...as in the last 2 years or so he wont be worth the money he is getting paid
I don't see the big deal to be honest, can't the Lakers afford the luxury tax? It isn't like there is some other free agent we're going to sign instead. Take the hit and walk it off, tough luck for LA. Him reaching various records/rings will make the deal quite worthwhile from a financial standpoint as well.
How would you know that? 5-8 years is a long ass time. There is some freshman in HS right now that we will be drooling over to sign by that time. Why do you keep mentioning this marketing? That type of stuff is shared in the NBA and has nothing to do with getting more room in the salary cap. I'll be damned if the Lakers turn into the Bulls after Jordan left. The Lakers dont owe Kobe shit...especially not to overpay him because he has done good in the past for us, thats just stupid. "Kobe, as a token of our appreciation we are going to ridiculously overpay you in your final years as thanks, and in the process cripple our team for several seasons" ....no thanks
I was talking about THIS year; we obviously have few options. I have accepted the reality of the situation, it is fruitless to discuss. You're too concerned about the future, we'll be fortunate to win the title this year given how many things can go wrong in an NBA season (injuries, close calls, etc.). You've got this worried attitude I don't understand, you need to be more care-free. The marketing doesn't have anything to do with salary cap, nor did I ever say it does. But why kid yourself though, LA benefits from Kobe's popularity more than other teams, I'm sure he makes it up in various fashions (ticket sales, ratings).
