Kobe May Opt Out

[JSD]

A report from the Los Angeles Times indicated that Kobe Bryant could opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1st.

Bryant conceivably could depart the Lakers for another team, but that scenario appears highly unlikely.

The club's long term outlook as a perennial title contender will affect his decision, according to sources that spoke with the Los Angeles Times.

The report from the Los Angeles Times indicated that a maximum 'extension' would be for five years and $135 million, but that is inaccurate.

If Bryant opts out of his contract, he will be eligible to sign a six-year contract for approximately $169 million. Because Bryant has more than 10 years of service, he can sign for 105% of his 08-09 salary of over $21.26 million, which would put him over $22.325 million in 09-10. He can then have 10.5% in raises each season after the first season.

If the Lakers signed Bryant to a full max deal, he would make $31.7 million in 13-14 and just over $34 million in 14-15.

Should Bryant elect to sign with another club, that team could pay him $128.6 million over five years with $29.1 million in 13-14.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/59825/20090615/kobe_may_opt_out/

[JSD]

Watching the Lakers pay Kobe 30 mill a year for the latter part of his career would be great.

[Lucky17]

This could make for some entertaining (melo)drama this offseason.

Kobe might feel justified opting out in hopes of negotiating for a raise, having just won the Finals MVP (excuse me while I light myself on fire).

If he does, we'll then get to watch the madness unfold. Either Buss and company acquiesce, and enter luxury tax hell for the future, or Kobe and the Lakers play chicken all summer and Kobe's "sterling reputation" as a team player takes a hit.

Get your popcorn ready.

[bobdelt]

They have to give it to him. I wonder if he really wants max money. He could wait until the new CBA where contracts could be potentially even more.

[Fafnir]

They have to give it to him. I wonder if he really wants max money. He could wait until the new CBA where contracts could be potentially even more.

The new CBA is projected to be more restrictive of player salary compared to the current one.

6 Years at the max is something you look in whenever you can. Especially at Kobe's age.

[bobdelt]

What's that based on?

I those a lot of guys designed their contracts for 2010, when the CBA expires, because the new one will be in their favor?

Are we going to have another strike or are the players on the same page as this? I mean, if the CBA is not moving the players favor, wouldn't more guys be signing extensions this summer, which doesnt seem to be the case?

[guava_wrench]

I can't wait for Kobe to get a crazy contract, and then to complain when the GM can't put players around him.

[angryguy77]

I can't wait for Kobe to get a crazy contract, and then to complain when the GM can't put players around him.

I was thinking the same exact thing when i first saw this. Tp

[Thruthelookingglass]

Watching the Lakers pay Kobe 30 mill a year for the latter part of his career would be great.

Someone (i.e., a GM with the initials CW?) will probably bail them out by trading for Kobe.

[RebusRankin]

According to Hoops Hype, for next year, the Lakers owe Bynum 12.52 million, Gasol 16.45 million and Kobe 23.03 million. That's 52 million.

Fisher (5.04), Vujacic (5.0), Walton (4.84), Farmar (1.94) and my personal favourite Adam Morrison (5.26). That's another 22.08 million.

So roughly 74 million and that's without having Ariza and Odom.

[bobdelt]

They have no chance to repeat unless Odom takes a huge pay cut, and then even still, Fisher is another year older.

And if Kobe opts out to resign - possibly for even more money? I dont think Buss is all for that.

[Jeff]

If Kobe really wants to win more titles and cement his legacy, he'll opt out, leave money on the table, and give the Lakers the room to sign and/or trade for good players to surround him with

also, if he's smart (if this is even an option under the CBA) he'll build in as many opt-out clauses as he can so he can always hold their feet to the fire to keep bringing in players he likes

shoot, he should get the title of assistant GM at this point too

[Moranis]

What's that based on?

I those a lot of guys designed their contracts for 2010, when the CBA expires, because the new one will be in their favor?

Are we going to have another strike or are the players on the same page as this? I mean, if the CBA is not moving the players favor, wouldn't more guys be signing extensions this summer, which doesnt seem to be the case?

guys like Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Amare choose 2010 because it puts their service in the league at 8 years which is a big jump in pay under the CBA and also will more realistically allow for two full maximum deals.  Had they signed on for the full five years, they wouldn't have been able to capitalize as early and would have diminished their shot at a full two maximum contracts.

[2short]

keep in mind kobe needs LA
guy wants the endorsements and to be in movies after basketball, guy like him would play for LA or NY and want to win
only trouble with signing him to contract is he likes himself more than anyone else does

[wdleehi]

Here's hoping Kobe goes for the big payday.