hoopsworld source says kobe to opt out and resign for less

[milesfides]

Kobe's job is to play basketball. That he bitched one summer about having to play with Kwame Brown and Smush Parker and threatened to leave, OK, feel upset about that as a fan.

But he got over it and played great basketball, and that's his job. That's what he gets paid for.

Feel free to argue that Kobe doesn't deserve that amount of money. That he's not good enough, that he didn't train enough, that he didn't do his job well enough. That he's not worth that money. Kobe gets paid for the basketball player he is and the marketing power he has.

Arguing that his gratitude for better teammates should entail a paycut is completely ludicrous.

Otherwise, what does Kobe deserve for carrying a team of d-leaguers to the playoffs, wasting years of his prime, and making tons of money for the Lakers? A payraise?

It's illogical.

Pay people what they're worth, how well they do their job.

In the same vein, I think the Lakers should pay Odom what he's worth. They shouldn't peddle the opportunity to win a championship and lowball him. That's unethical and immoral, imho. The Lakers make plenty of money - and you would think the players have something to do with that.

Graciousness is not graciousness if it's demanded or expected.

[Kilroy]

I think Kobe is worth what he gets paid... That was never part of my argument.

But he raised the issue about not wanting to be a Laker unless he plays with better players... That was Kobes issue... Not Jerry Buss' or mine...

So now that he has what he asked for thanks to that Rich Jerk Jerry Buss... He has an opportunity to contribute to the Lakers success and ease JB's burdon a bit to allow him to retain a few players key to their success... I think he should take that opportunity.

Sure there's no garuntee that Odom and Ariza wouldn't still walk... But the Buss' acted in good faith in assembling this team around him even though he said there was no chance he'd stay here. So I think it would be manly for Kobe to act in faith and throw him a bone.

He by no means has to do it... That's the point. It shows a lot about him, his commitment to the Org, and his leadership if he does.

I honestly don't think the Lakers would pocket money Kobe put back on the table. I agree, that would suck if it happened, but I just don't see it happening.

[JellosJigglin]

Come on kilroy, comparing Kobe opting out so he could sign a larger contract to Magic's retirement Put it this way, when Magic retired, Laker fans around the world went to bed in tears that night. When Kobe opted out I simply shrugged because I knew he wasn't leaving. EVERYONE knew he wasn't leaving. Kobe was clearly a better basketball player when he opted out then when he signed his initial contract. There's nothing wrong with getting more money if you're a better player. You should get what you're worth.

I know people might not want to hear this, but I think after 1 or 2 more seasons, Kobe will have reached the point of diminishing returns. I think his production has leveled off and will remain where it is for at least 2 more seasons. But after that the sun will begin to set. So it would only be fair if he in fact does opt out to take less money. I wouldn't be upset if he didn't though.

I am already pretty certain that Odom and Ariza both will be resigned. Unless some team swoops in and offers Ariza some insane overinflated contract (like $8mil per year), I think he'll stay here because he's found a niche on this team.

So to me the biggest priority ends up being Shannon Brown. This guy has what it takes to grab the baton from Fisher and become our starting PG for the next 5+ years. I just don't see any way we can afford him unless Kobe takes less money. Farmar is obviously not the longterm solution. So even if Kobe takes "only" a $3-4 mil per year cut, it would be enough to set this team up for a possible dynasty. We are so fortunate to have Brown right now and it would seriously SUCK to lose him. He's such a perfect fit for this team.