Kobe Bryant signed a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers that secures his future with the team while continuing to make him the highest-paid player in the league. While Lakers fans are likely thrilled that Bryant will finish out his career with the exact same team it started with, the size of the contract hurts the potential free agency run in 2014. As Carmelo Anthony is the team's top target, he notes that is not the contract that has him concerned.
Bryant is coming off an Achilles injury that ended his 2012-13 season early and has yet to let him start the 2013-14 season. At Bryant's age, it is a real debate about just how productive Bryant can be upon return. Sure, three years ago every free agent in the game would have wanted to join the Lakers with the shot at playing with Bryant, but now after the recent injury there is a little more hesitation. Anthony has seen the size of Bryant's new contract, but it is the health of the All-Star that really has him worried.
In an interview with USA Today Sports, Anthony discussed his upcoming free agency, even though he previously said he no longer would address the issue, commented on the new deal given to Bryant. When asked if he could see himself pairing up with Bryant next year, Anthony responded, "I mean you'll have to see. It's hard to gauge at this point, not until he comes back (from his April Achilles tendon tear) and figures some things out. So I don't know. They might have some plans up their sleeve."
In translation, if Bryant looks like his normal, dominating self than Anthony is on board to hear contract negotiations. However, if it is clear that Bryant is struggling upon return, Anthony will not sign on. Metta World Peace agrees with Anthony. He notes that his former teammate really wants to win, but injuries might hurt the pursuit to tie Michael Jordan's ring count.
Before Bryant's health can be considered, the size of his contract must be looked at as far as what the Lakers can do next summer. Bryant's contract eats up plenty of salary cap space. According to salary expert Larry Coon, the Lakers will be left with $22.2 million in cap space for 2014 if the cap is set at $64 million like it is assumed to be. The Lakers would also have to let all of their free agents walk away next summer, including Pau Gasol.
Essentially, the team would be left with Bryant, another top free agent, two other players and a first-round draft pick. The remaining roster spots would be filled by players will to sign for the veteran's minimum. If Bryant is showing age and rust, that top free agent spot is going to be hard to fill.