Forgive Kobe Bryant if he decided to go to bed early on Halloween night. For Bryant, it's the day after Halloween that will be awfully sweet for the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.
The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that the Lakers will submit a balloon payment of $24,363,044 into Bryant's bank account on Nov. 1, which was specifically negotiated as part of his contract. Will it be the last large payment of his Lakers career?
According to the Times, Bryant's salary is $30,453,805 for the 2013-14 season. The Lakers will pay the remainder of the salary through the course of the year.
Bryant still is recovering from surgery stemming from his Achilles tendon tear on April 12 against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers estimated that Bryant would need six to nine months recovery time.
The Lakers already have said they intend to re-sign Bryant, who is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. The Times reported that the team can offer him anywhere from $1.4 million to $32.7 million before July 1.
But the Lakers also are hoping to land a high-level free agent in the offseason, when a free-agent class that includes LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony become available.
In the past, Bryant has stated publicly that he has no intention of taking a pay cut to help the Lakers, which is in direct contrast with his desire to play for a championship contender. Los Angeles currently is in no position to contend for a championship with the roster it currently has assembled and will need an overhaul in the offseason to get back into contention.
Bryant may force the Lakers to consider letting him leave if he commands a salary next summer that cuts into the team's ability to spend money on players that will help Los Angeles reemerge as a force in the NBA.
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