The Los Angeles Lakers are not ready to jump on the Kobe Bryant retirement bandwagon just yet. While many believe this upcoming season is the veteran's swan song, the Lakers believe Bryant could be back for another season. While the health of the franchise star is unknown at this point, team vice president Jim Buss is not closing the door on Bryant playing past his contract.
When Bryant signed a two-year deal that will pay him a league-high $25 million this season, many believe that was his final contract with the team. Three season-ending injuries later and that looks like it could be the case. Bryant has hinted that he might be on the edge of retirement, but Buss believes that if he is healthy and plays well, there is no telling whether ot not he comes back.
"We're going to approach it like it is [his final season], but that doesn't mean it is," Buss said, via the Los Angeles Times. I'm not going to sit there and say, 'This is it, Kobe, you're done,' because it's not my decision, it's his decision. What I've made clear is only Kobe Bryant can decide when Kobe Bryant is done playing basketball."
Bryant's decision will likely hinge on his playing ability this season. The veteran played just 35 games last season before tearing his rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He played six games the season before after suffering a fracture knee cap and he missed the season before that with a torn Achilles. Bryant has barely been on the court since signing that contract, but if he can be healthy and play a majority of the season there is no telling what he will opt to do.
Lakers president Jeanie Buss would not guarantee the Lakers would be the team re-signing Bryant if he were to come back, but simply insisted the team is going to make sure they celebrate the star.
"The idea that you stay with one team your entire career is going to change a lot as free agency continues to evolve through collective bargaining. I think this is an opportunity that we have to pay tribute to somebody that has been great for the Lakers, been great for Los Angeles. It's just a nice opportunity to celebrate Kobe Bryant," Buss said.
The makeup of the team could be a big factor for Bryant. The Lakers failed at acquiring Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan this offseason. They have Julius Randle returning after missing his entire rookie season. The young tandem of Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell are handling the point guard position while Roy Hibbert is set to anchor the defense. If the young group of players can prove to be productive this season, Bryant might feel enticed to return for another year.