Mitch Kupchak: Kobe Bryant 'indicated to me that this is it'; Kobe says nothing new here (pg. 5)

mbright · Starting Rotation Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 831

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12932613/gm-says-kobe-bryant-indicates-next-season-last-los-angeles-lakers

very good read.

Not posted yet?

JamezAmp

This is it boys and girls....probably

http://abc7chicago.com/sports/mitch-kupchak-kobe-bryant-indicated-to-me-that-this-is-it/736052/

Please merge if needed

angrypuppy · Retired Number Joined: 13 Apr 2001 Posts: 32752

Stunned.

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

Whoa.
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kikanga · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:39 am Post subject:

venturalakersfan · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:40 am Post subject:

I expected as much, but I hope that the team has a big turn around, Kobe plays an effective 60+ games, and decides to return in 2016 at a reduced rate. But yeah, my money is on this being it for him.
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angrypuppy · Retired Number Joined: 13 Apr 2001 Posts: 32752

Interesting qualification: This is his last year with the Lakers, but he might consider extending his playing career.

RCS926 · Franchise Player Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 16824

Probably best for everyone. Kobe is probably still struggling with his injuries.

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

danzag · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:44 am Post subject:

The end is nigh.

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

SweetP · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:46 am Post subject:

"A year from now, if there's something different to discuss, then it will be discussed then," Kupchak said of Bryant potentially playing beyond next season. "

Little wiggle room if Kobe is able to play well and he finds the team's development appealing. But I would guess he thinks 20 years is enough given how much he has had to rehab the last few years.
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Ziggy · Franchise Player Joined: 10 Feb 2005 Posts: 12712

If true, he'll be going out the way he wanted. I recall him saying he didn't want to go out like a fading star averaging 18ppg as a role player. He was playing some of the best basketball of his career when he tore his achilles. For a guy like Mamba, he wouldn't have it any other way.

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

Fastbreak32 · Star Player Joined: 11 Oct 2011 Posts: 4746

I heard this on Cowherd. I rarely listen to his show, but I wanted to hear Kupchak. I just hope he can stay relatively healthy and walk off the court on his own terms this season. My long shot (pipe) summer is that we sign Leonard, so that the young guys can be mentored by Kobe and Kawhi.
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Megaton · Retired Number Joined: 18 Feb 2015 Posts: 25636

I told you guys Kobe is done after next season.
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angrypuppy · Retired Number Joined: 13 Apr 2001 Posts: 32752

Gatekeeper · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:53 am Post subject:

Saw it coming, and it's still tough to reconcile.
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yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

Username · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:56 am Post subject:

I think if we build this thing the way we should and have a young, contending team on the cusp after next season, Kobe will come back in 2016-17 in a Paul Pierce type deal.

Megaton · Retired Number Joined: 18 Feb 2015 Posts: 25636

Kobe will be playing his 20TH YEAR next season. 20 freaking years. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird played only half that many years.

Incredible career. Hope next season we end up on a high note where he can pass the torch to our 3 studs in Clarkson, Randle and Towns/Okafor.
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danzag · Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 9:59 am Post subject:

I don't think Kobe's playing basketball anywhere. He's either retiring or playing one more year with the Lakers.

King Randle · Star Player Joined: 21 Jul 2014 Posts: 7313

Guys let it go....this is it...time to move on....I hope he has a decent year and finally this team can move forward. Then we can focus on Westbrook or Durant or what other superstar FA we can pair with Okafor, Randle and Clarkson....I'm looking forward to the Lakers after Kobe.

Jackobe · Star Player Joined: 17 May 2011 Posts: 4466

If we put up a very competitive team next season

and Kobe was able to stay healthy and compete at the level he likes.

I think there are some chance that he would want to return.

However, both conditions have to happen or else I think he might hang it up.

Staccatos · Star Player Joined: 16 Jul 2002 Posts: 2416

End of an era.

Lakers will need the next superstar to step up - whoever that may be.