There Is Still Chance Kobe Bryant Ends Career with Someone Other Than LA Lakers

Kobe Bryant has been dominating, snarling and winning with the Los Angeles Lakers for 17 years, totaling five championship rings and attaining the franchise lead in scoring along the way.

But after the 2013-14 season, Bryant could potentially leave L.A.

It’s barely even fathomable to think of him in colors other than purple and gold, but—as crazy as it sounds—it’s a possibility.



If the Lakers and Bryant, who are not currently in any form of contract talks according to the Los Angeles Times, can’t reach an extension by July, No. 24 will be free to sign wherever his cold-blooded heart desires.

But Bryant says that he wants to retire as a Laker, and the team has reciprocated that desire.

Just like Michael Jordan wanted to retire with the Chicago Bulls, and Paul Pierce wanted to finish his career with the Boston Celtics.



It’s really not uncommon for superstar players to swap teams. LeBron James famously left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat three years ago and has a shot at winning his third consecutive title with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in 2014.

Bryant won’t beg, plead or cry if L.A. decides to take the franchise in another direction and choose not to re-sign him next summer. He won't have trouble finding a new home.

It would be a bold, yet somewhat understandable, decision by the team, which currently only has Nick Young, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre on the payroll in 2014-15.

And the free agency class will be absolutely loaded next summer. LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Luol Deng, Danny Granger and Dirk Nowitzki could all potentially hit the market that summer.



Even at 35 years old, Bryant was truly spectacular last season, finishing with 27.3 points, six assists and 5.6 rebounds per game. But he’s coming off of an injury...

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