The main storyline out West is all about the ‘Black Mamba’ Kobe Bryant. We know that his contract is done by the end of the 2015-16 season. But because it’s Kobe, we don’t really know whether he wants to hang the kicks up or not. Should we wave goodbye or should we expect him to carry on a career that is already 2 decades old?
We will probably have to wait until the end of the season to what Kobe will do but Lakers Co-owner and Executive VP Jim Buss is open to having Kobe beyond the 2015-16 season.
On Thursday Jim Buss, part-owner and executive vice president of basketball operations, spoke to The Times about the upcoming season, the team’s draft picks, his rebuilding plan — and what could be the final season of Bryant’s career.
“We’re going to approach it like it is, but that doesn’t mean it is,” Buss said of Bryant. “I’m not going to sit there and say, ‘This is it, Kobe, you’re done,’ because it’s not my decision, it’s his decision.”
Buss has received plenty of criticism for over-investing in the aging star, who just turned 37 as he heads into his 20th season.
“The man has done so much for the Lakers and the fans of the Laker nation, he deserves the money,” Buss said. “I don’t understand anybody trying to break down what I did for him. Let’s break down what he did for us, then say, what is he worth? To me, he’s worth that.”
So is this Bryant’s final year with the team? “My arms are like this,” Buss said, holding his arms wide open, about Bryant’s future.
“He just has to know, at that age, and that many miles on you, what is your role? We’ll explain the role, and if he still wants to do that and that’s how he wants to go out, that’s fine with me.”
Now let’s not open that ‘did he deserve the money?’ can of worms shall we. It’s done, he has it, move on.
But like Buss said. It’s not his decision, it’s Kobe’s. But in terms of business, the Lakers better have a plan for every outcome. One where Kobe is there and one where Kobe isn’t. So I hope Jim doesn’t spend the whole season with his “arms like this”.
