During an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak hinted fairly strongly that Kobe Bryant’s next season is likely going to be his last.
Kupchak didn’t leave much for interpretation according to ESPN:
“He has indicated to me that this is it.”
The fact that the 2015-16 season may be Bryant’s last in the NBA is not that surprising. Kobe only has one more year on the eye-popping two-year extension that he signed back in 2013. Kobe is set to make a league-high $25 million next season.
While Kupchak didn’t completely shut the door on the possibility of Kobe returning after the conclusion of his current contract, the Lakers GM made it fairly clear that Kobe’s time in the NBA is drawing to a close.
“I think first and foremost, he’s on the last year of a deal. There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don’t think there will be.”
Last season, Kobe averaged 22.3 points, 5.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game, however he also shot a career-worst .373 shooting percentage and he had his season cut short by a season-ending shoulder injury.
Kupchak did state that Kobe is recovering nicely from his injury but he also stressed that even a fully-recovered Kobe’s days are numbered.
“I talk to him from time to time … and he is recovering. He’s running. He’s getting movement and strength in the shoulder. We expect a full recovery, but yeah, he’s much closer to the end than to the beginning.”
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