As Dwight Howard questions the future of the Los Angeles Lakers and where he stands in it, Kobe Bryant is letting fans know what his plans are for the long-term. The 15-time All-Star recently say down with Lakers.com to discuss rehabbing his devastating Achilles tear and offering up insight on how long he thinks he has left in the league.
Bryant has gone back and forth on how many years he thinks he has left in him. Prior to his injury, Bryant was hesitant to commit to anything past one year, maybe two if fans were lucky. With a contract that expires at the end of next season, Bryant could not decide when to call it quits. However, as he continues to heal from surgery, Bryant is sounding more fired up than ever, promising at least three more years in basketball.
"I feel pretty damn confident I can be at a high level for at least another three years. I feel like how I was playing last year-I know I'll be healthy and I'll be ready to go this year-I know what I can bring," Bryant said. "And I think I can easily do three more years. I think the Achilles injury has something to do with it. It really increases the drive."
Bryant notes that watching the San Antonio Spurs compete for a fifth championship hurt a little bit too. He is looking to get at least one more championship ring before closing out his career. He thinks that the Lakers should be as inspired as he is to go out and push the franchise further. After seeing an aging team like the Spurs take the NBA Finals to a Game 7, Bryant said it was a testament to what "us old guys can do if you play together."
Bryant will be entering his 18th season and is not exactly any spring chicken. Do not let numbers fool, Bryant still finished last season third in the league with 27.3 points per game. He can be credited for carrying the Lakers to the postseason on his back. The star will be coming off of injury and is not a guarantee to be ready and healthy by the time the season starts. At 34-years-old, playing at that same high level will be tough.
Bryant is hoping those next three years include Howard in Los Angeles. Bryant was reportedly part of the Lakers' sales pitch on Tuesday and even tweeted out that while he was excited for free agency, there was only one team to be concerned with and it was the Lakers.
"We all want him here. But then that's when the selling begins. I'll give him a little opening statement, but then I have to make sure I have the final word."
