Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant feels he can perform at an elite level for another three years, Lakers.com reports. Assuming he can, does another three years of Bryant in Los Angeles help or hinder the Lakers' campaign to sign free agent Dwight Howard? Recent indications suggest it could send Howard packing.
Bryant's answer about his inevitable retirement has wavered throughout the year. He suggested several times last season that he'd retire when his contract expires after next season, according to the team's website.
After going down with an Achilles tear in April, he dismissed any notion about an early retirement by tweeting his retirement was "soon," but not yet. It was still assumed the 34-year-old would still retire after his contract expires.
Then, an ESPN report surfaced mid-June citing a source that claimed Bryant wanted "two more cracks" at winning another NBA title.
In a Lakers.com interview published on Monday, Bryant again intimated he'd play beyond his contract - this time, he suggested three years.
"I feel pretty damn confident I can be at a high level for at least another three years," Bryant said. "I feel like how I was playing last year - I know I'll be healthy and I'll be ready to go this year - I know what I can bring. And I think I can easily do that for another three years.
"I think the (Achilles) injury has something to do with it. It really increased the drive. And probably San Antonio getting so close to winning No. 5, probably hurt me a little bit too. I want to make sure I push the ring count a little further."
Los Angeles was reportedly prepared to open contract extensions with Bryant before his injury. Bryant's goal is to return for the season opener, but it's uncertain what shape he will be in.
By the time contract extension talks reopen, if they do, Howard will have already signed with a team. But, if it appears Bryant will return for another two or three years, how does it affect Howard's decision this summer?
It can go only two ways.
The first is it sends Howard to another team. Howard wants to be the centerpiece and face of wherever he plays, and the idea of sharing the spotlight with Bryant for another three years might make him cringe. Howard's already said he doesn't "want to be second fiddle to Bryant for several more seasons," according to an ESPN source.
The second is it could actually entice Howard to stay. Howard wants to win NBA titles, but the Lakers' roster is anything but certain for the coming years. New luxury tax restrictions limit the way teams over the tax apron can acquire new players, and the contracts of Bryant, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace expire after next season.
The possibility of having Bryant for a few more years, if the financials align, may give Howard the assurance he needs that the Lakers can compete for championships.
As for his distaste to playing "second fiddle" to Bryant, ESPN's source also said Howard could deal with it again - if they were playing in another system. That would mean the departure of current coach Mike D'Antoni, which the organization appears unlikely to do.
Assuming Bryant does play three more years, it could be the determining factor for whether Howard stays or goes.
