Kobe Bryant suggested he might play after next season when his contract expires with the Los Angeles Lakers. Some have thought the 34-year-old would retire then, but on Friday he suggested otherwise, L.A. Times reports.
Bryant, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon tear, has already dismissed retiring this upcoming season. With his contract set to expire next summer and with the perennial All-Star himself conceding retirement is coming "soon," some believe next season will be Bryant's last.
He suggested on Friday in an interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Radio, however, that he might play past his contract. The suggestion came when he spoke to Smith about the possibility of San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan tying Bryant with a fifth NBA title.
"My goal is to win more than five," Bryant said. "If he does win five, hopefully that pushes our organization upstairs to be even more determined and more driven to make the necessary expenses to make sure we continue the next year and the year after that."
It could have been a poor choice of words that meant nothing -- or it could have been a slip of the tongue. Bryant is a competitor; it's no secret he wants a sixth ring before he goes out.
The first question, then, is Bryant's health. He's rehabbing from his Achilles tendon surgery and, despite his goal of returning by the season opener, the Lakers project him to be out at least six to nine months. Despite how difficult Achilles injuries are to return from, Bryant is optimistic.
"It's coming along well," Bryant said of his rehab. "I'm progressing. I'm still walking somewhat like a baby giraffe but I'm getting around a little bit more. Nike kind of built a special sole in it for me that has a heel-lift, so I can walk around and keep the tendon compressed somewhat."
The next question, assuming Bryant wanted to play beyond his contract, is whether the Lakers would want to re-sign him. His age makes a long-term contract unlikely. A short-term contract is possible. Still, at some point, the Lakers will have to prepare for the Post-Kobe era, which partly hinges on soon-to-be free agent Dwight Howard and his decision this summer.
Bryant's own decision could depend on the shape of the Lakers' roster after next season. Would it be worth returning to a depleted team? If the Lakers are without Howard, would Bryant consider signing with another team to compete for a sixth ring?
The future in Los Angeles is foggy. It'll start to clear when Howard decides whether he'll stay or go.
