While others continue to doubt him, Kobe Bryant is very certain he will be active to play the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran has suffered his third season-ending injury, putting the remainder of his career in jeopardy. Bryant's 2014-15 season is officially over thanks to a torn rotator cuff and surgery, but the star makes it very clear that the plan is to return for at least one more season like his contract dictates.
Bryant's injury is just another bullet point on a long list of issues for the star in recent years. He has suffered a torn Achilles, knee injury and now the shoulder injury that have all contributed to one of the worst stretches for Bryant. At 36, there is plenty of doubt that Bryant will be available to play the remaining year on his contract, but he is making it clear that is not the case. In an interview with ESPN, Bryant said he plans to be healthy come September training camp.
"Yeah, that's the plan," Bryant said, via ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I don't really listen much to what people have to say, to be honest with you."
According to Bryant, retiring this early is simply not in the plan. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Bryant is motivated by his legacy, not his contract. The star reportedly does not want his career to end on this note, but is not returning just for the sake of playing out the remaining time on his two-year contract that will pay him $25 million next year. General manager Mitch Kupchak echoed that Bryant is predicted to return and will recruit free agents in the process.
The Lakers have targeted the next two years as big offseasons for the franchise. They will have a large amount of salary cap space to work with Jeremy Lin, Carlos Boozer and Steve Nash all coming off the books. The Lakers will need a long-term point guard that could by Goran Dragic or Reggie Jackson. Greg Monroe is expected to be a favorite for the team. LaMarcus Aldridge will also have their attention. Some believe the Lakers will try and poach Kevin Love from the Cavaliers, but that will be hard to come by.