With the Los Angeles Lakers stuck in a two-year stretch of ineptitude, it's clear that Kobe Bryant is only playing for legacy at this point. Bryant needs just 53 points to pass Michael Jordan for third place in career points. As he is averaging an NBA-best of 25.2 points per game, it's likely he'll achieve that milestone in the very near future.
Future is a funny word when it comes to Bryant. The sad fact for fans is that he doesn't have much of one in the NBA. Bryant's current contract expires in June of 2016, and there are conflicting reports on whether or not he'll continue playing. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has his own beliefs regarding Kobe's uncertain twilight.
"All indications are, to me, from him, that this (two-year contract) is going to be it," Kupchak told NBA.com. "If somebody's thinking of buying a ticket three years from now to see Kobe play, I would not do that. Don't wait. Do it this year."
If anyone could continue playing at a high level, it's Bryant. Bryant was facing widespread doubt entering this season as he was trying to come back from two major injuries. Despite Los Angeles' 5-16 record, Bryant is leading the NBA in scoring while grabbing 5.1 rebounds and dishing out 4.8 assists per game.
The 36-year-old will have played 20 seasons in the NBA when his contract expires. It's possible that a top flight talent in this year's draft, coupled with a healthy Julius Randle and a strong free agent addition over the next two years, could entice Bryant to sign one more deal. It is a well-known fact that Bryant is chasing Jordan in championships (six to five) as well as career points. But he also understands overstaying your welcome. He knows it would be a sad sight to see the day Kobe Bryant can no longer put the ball in the hoop.
