Lakers News: L.A. Has No Intention of Letting Kobe Bryant Go Elsewhere Next Year

Over the span of the past calendar year, a question has been posed that no one expected to hear or read: Should the Los Angeles Lakers re-sign Kobe Bryant after the 2013-14 season? Bryant has been a Laker since 1996, but has become one of the most polarizing players in basketball.

With all factors weighed, there's no question that Bryant should remain in Los Angeles after 2013-14.

The Lakers are preparing for an organization-altering period of free agency in 2014, as both Bryant and Pau Gasol become unrestricted free agents. Splitting Bryant and Gasol up would mark the end of an era that has included two NBA championships and three Finals appearances.

According to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, Kobe's time with the organization will end once he chooses to retire.



It shouldn't be any other way.

There's no question that Bryant is a player that the younger generation has a difficult time adjusting to playing with. He's a ball-dominant scoring guard who, even when his shot isn't falling, will continue to take control of a game.

The fact of the matter is this: Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever live and deserves to leave Los Angeles on his own terms.

 

Impeccable Resume



During his 17 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe has carved out one of the most impressive resumes in NBA history. He's scored 31,617 points, has been a member of 15 All-NBA, 12 All-Defensive and 15 All-Star teams, and has won one league MVP and two Finals MVP awards.

Plain and simple, Bryant is an active legend.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Bryant is one of four players in NBA history to register at least 30,000 points, 5,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds. The only other three players on the list are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Michael Jordan.



For perspective, only 12 players hav...

About the Author