Kupchak: Kobe not Obstacle to Lakers Rebuild

[Mobby]

Kobe brings in more money than he costs. It's a no-brainer business decision to keep him on as long as possible, paying him many millions to barely play.

[indilakeshow]

I think Kobe should sit out the rest of the year and relax his body and let them tank for a top 3 pick . Rushing back from a gruesome injury at his age to finish at max 12th in the west and loose the a top 8 pick doesn't make since.

lol you must be the guy that tells sick people to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

[baki]

Kobe brings in more money than he costs. It's a no-brainer business decision to keep him on as long as possible, paying him many millions to barely play.

Not if you're no longer the same player, otherwise Jordan would have stayed a lot longer.

[jackwindham]

When Bryant declines past a certain point, the fan base will dwindle. When that happens, then you're not bringing in as much money as before. It happens to all the great players.

[Mobby]

Kobe brings in more money than he costs. It's a no-brainer business decision to keep him on as long as possible, paying him many millions to barely play.

Not if you're no longer the same player, otherwise Jordan would have stayed a lot longer.

Think so? It really depends if you're willing to sacrifice full freedom for the money.

[Bubstubbler]

Not too big of a stretch for the Lakers to end up with the 4th worst record this year, get pushed to #6 in the draft by getting jumped by a couple of teams who get lucky with the ping pong balls, and have that pick go to Philly this year.

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It's a huge stretch. When was the last time 2 teams jumped into the top 5? It's safe to say the Lakers have nothing to worry about if the finish at least 4th

It's happened twice in the last 5 years.

In 2011 the Wizards were pushed from their pre-draft position of 4th down to 6th when they were jumped by the Clippers and Nets: http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/lottery_results/2011

In 2010 the Warriors were pushed from 4th to 6th when they were jumped by the Wizards and Sixers: http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/lottery_results/2010

[Ugly0598]

He's not going to be an obstacle because I'm willing to bet next year is his last year.

[ChartFiction]

He probably isn't a real obstacle if they're planning on rebuilding the right way through the draft and smart free agent signings (not another teams star player).

This

If he had a long term contract I can understand how he would be an obstacle. But with a two year contract, I don't see how he's impeded anything.

I don't see it playing out any differently this season if Kobe didn't sign that contract. Matter of fact, I see everything going pretty much the exact same.

Seems like everythings going at a normal pace for a rebuild.