Kobe Bryant is entering his final year with the Lakers and this early, many are wondering what the long-time Los Angeles superstar has planned.
Many are wondering what the Black Mamba has planned for next season, though he did say that he intends to retire as a Los Angeles Laker. There are some, however, who feel that money and playing time will still be a factor, assuming first that Bryant survives the coming 2015-16 NBA season injury-free.
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The Lakers have already revealed that Bryant's future will be entirely up to him. He could sign an extension or hang it all up. Right now, the NBA world is divided on his plans though there are scenarios to consider.
Among them include the angle on whether the Lakers will still offer Bryant big money to play on. Many feel that the Lakers may eventually offer him a contract extension, though the money on the table will not be as lucrative as what he has been getting.
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This scenario apparently makes sense. At 38 and seeing the five-time NBA champion playing a whole lot less in previous years due to varying injuries, the Lakers would do well to move forward and invest on someone equally talented and younger.
One thing to consider is Kevin Durant. The Thunder star will be the most sought after free agent in 2016. Though he has constantly put his foot down on his future, there was that rumor about him possibly heading over to Los Angeles in case he and Oklahoma City fail to come to terms.
If the Lakers do lowball him and Bryant wants to continue playing, where could he be headed? There were several teams linked to him like the Knicks. But one team that could make sense would be the Clippers.
The reason behind the possibility of seeing Bryant join the Clippers is simple – Doc Rivers knows how to handle veterans. He has proven that with the Celtics and is apparently doing the same for the Clippers at the moment.
The Clippers don’t mind the age factor, the living proof right now of which is Paul Pierce. If so, Bryant could be an interesting addition, though the matter of playing time and who holds the ball most could become an issue.
Bryant has been known to want the ball in his hands most of the time, so joining a team filled with stars (i.e. Paul, Blake Griffin, Paul Pierce, DeAndre Jordan and Lance Stephenson) would likely render lesser playing time for the Black Mamba. So would this be fine with him?
All this remains to be seen and the most important thing right now is for Kobe to survive the season healthy. He could eventually retire if he wants, but somehow his competitive spirit is at an all-time high.
Would he be a good fit to the neighboring Clippers in case the Lakers shortchange him?
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