GM says next year will be Kobe's last with the Lakers

[pwaldo]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/s...angeles-lakers

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said star guard Kobe Bryant has told the GM that the 2015-16 season will be Bryant's last with the Lakers.

"He has indicated to me that this is it," Kupchak said Thursday in a radio appearance with SiriusXM NBA Radio.

Bryant is scheduled to make a league-high $25 million in his final contract season -- his 20th -- with the Lakers. But there's speculation that Bryant could play beyond next season, and Bryant said he hasn't ruled out that possibility.

"I think first and foremost, he's on the last year of a deal," Kupchak told SiriusXM NBA Radio. "There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don't think there will be."

Do you think he retires or does he go to another team? If another team which one do you think it will be?

[AndyG23]

I would like to see him retire a one team player. Not sure which other team would benefit from signing him. Maybe the Hornets finally get him for a season lol.

[gatorboymike]

I think he's too much of an egomaniac to be content with one ring less than Jordan.

[WilyWestbrook0]

I think he's too much of an egomaniac to be content with one ring less than Jordan.

Exactly. Of course, Mike didn't have to piggyback on a different contending squad in his latter years to get the sixth ring. But don't tell that to Kobe.

[rjabreu88]

I would like to see Kobe retire as a Laker. So few players will be one team players in this generation. I think it is a big honour to only wear one teams colours.

[trevorp121]

Depending on how the Lakers look after this offseason will help him decide whether he signs back on for a couple years or not. Should be interesting to see. I think the only other team he would leave LA for is the Knicks.

[pwaldo]

I too would like to see Kobe retire as a Laker for life. Didn't like Jordan with the Wizards, Malone with the Lakers, Olajuwon with the Raptors, and Ewing with the Magic/Sonics/whoever he ended his career with.

[jordan23]

Hard for players to retire as winners. Just wish Jordan retired after that 6 championship.

[pwaldo]

Hard for players to retire as winners. Just wish Jordan retired after that 6 championship.

He had the perfect ending to his career. I don't think you could have scripted it to end anymore perfect than that.

[jordan23]

He had the perfect ending to his career. I don't think you could have scripted it to end anymore perfect than that.

Just depressing to see after that a 40 year old Jordan trying to drive his team with youngsters on will power and determination alone. Basketball will never be the same without Mike but I just wish he had retired on top rather than come back with the Wizards of all teams.