What do you guys think is going to happen to the Lakers after this season? This will be Phil Jackson's last year and Kobe's contract will be a free agent at the end of the year. Do you think Kobe will retire? How many more years do you think it will be before the Lakers are a powerhouse again?
After this year, Kobe has ~ 83 MILLION dollars due to him over another 3 years. You seriously think he's going to retire? http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5050933 What happens to the Lakers? They'll be in salary cap hell unless they trade a contract or two. When you look at what Luke Walton is making, it makes Lowry's deal look like a steal, no? http://hoopshype.com/salaries/la_lakers.htm
lakers are one of those teams that rarely need to reload and always stay competitive. big market, great owner, great history... they'll always lure stars.
even if kobe hadn't signed an extension, there's no way he would have retired after this year. he's got at least 4-5 quality years left in him. he's only 31 and he has a perfect style of play to continue at a high level for quite awhile. the past few years he's switched his game up to more of what jordan was doing late in his career, with his fall away jumpers and becoming more perimeter-oriented. that's exactly what you want to transition your game to if you want to extend your nba life a few more years.
Nothing is going to happen until Kobe decides to shift his attention from basketball court to another stuff off the court, then I think they would have to start retooling the team. And they have nothing to worry about if Kobe terms with them on an extension.
Well for starters, the Lakers will lose on opening night during their ring ceremony on TNT and will also be eliminated by that same team in the playoffs.
Kobe signed an extention so no, he won't retire. They have the same players as last year so they are still going to be a powerhouse. Phil Jackson will be replaced by a quality coach when he retires.
Kobe won't retire anytime soon, barring injury. Even when his athleticism leaves him ala McGrady, he'll still be a Top 10 player in this league for at least another 5 years. Pau isn't going anywhere. The owner is willing to spend well into luxury tax territory. LA is a top free agent destination. In other words, what do you mean what will happen to the Lakers? Until proven otherwise, all roads to the Finals go through LA. Of course I still can't stand them, but would root for them against Miami and only Miami. Hell I might even root for Utah against Miami.
On that thought What will the Lakers do after Kobe retires? Score some future young star who's probably only 11 years old right now ?
