Evening News: Kobe receives a $24 million payday, Patrick Beverley out 2 weeks

In today’s news, Kobe Bryant receives 80 percent of his annual salary, while the Rockets lose their starting point guard.

Kobe Bryant to receive a lump sum of his contract today

Set to make over $30 million this season, Kobe Bryant won’t have to wait long for his salary to be disbursed. According to the LA Times, it was negotiated into Bryant’s contract that he would receive $24,363,044 of his annual salary today.

The NBA has a limit on how much salary a player can receive in advance, but in this situation Bryant meets the 80 percent requirement. Typically, players receive checks on the irst and 15th days of the month during the season. Since Bryant is receiving such a large portion at one time, the rest will still be paid to him through out the season in full. Bryant will still be owed $6.1 million.

Patrick Beverley out 10-14 days

The Houston Rockets have announced that point guard Patrick Beverley will be out of action for 10 to 14 days with a partially torn muscle in his midsection. Beverly was declared the starting point guard for the Rockets after competing with teammate Jeremy Lin throughout the preseason for the position.

With Beverley out, Lin will be expected to assume the starting point guard role with Aaron Brooks assuming the reserve role. The Rockets play the Dallas Mavericks at home Friday before going on a three-game road trip.

No extension for Eric Bledsoe

The Phoenix Suns and Eric Bledsoe failed to reach an agreement Thursday night on a contract extension, making Bledsoe a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this season. Per Paul Coro, the sides could not come to terms in time for a deal to get done.

Bledsoe arrived in Phoenix this past summer via trade in a three-way deal in which the Suns acquired him from the LA Clippers. As a restricted free agent, Bledsoe cam receive offers from any team, but the Suns reserve the right to match within three days.

Bledsoe was one of three players who were thought to be near extensions with their clubs but did not receive them. The others were Utah’s Gordon Hayward and Sacramento’s Greivis Vasquez. For a complete rundown on the extension class, read Chris Bernucca’s take.