LOS ANGELES – The numbers make the pro-side of the argument difficult, even for a determined apologist. Forty-one games played; 123 either missed or to be missed. A shooting percentage of .410. Exactly 865 points scored.
For those two-year totals, the Lakers will have invested almost $55 million in salary on Kobe Bryant. They still owe him $25 million for next season.
But if you believe the Lakers no longer think it was good business to sign Bryant to a two-year contract last season, you would be wrong.
“One hundred percent,” Kupchak told the LA Times last week when asked if the Lakers were sure they had made the correct decision. “We have no regrets at all . . . because he’s worth every penny of it.”
The general reaction in LA was that Kupchak had made about as much sense as R.P. McMurphy after the lobotomy. The Cuckoo’s Nest had reopened for business and the name on the lead nurse’s office door was “Mitch Kupchak.”
Kupchak played a big role in the decision to re-sign Bryant, so his support of himself should not be surprising. What’s he going to say? “In retrospect, we were stupid and Kobe is absolutely of no value to us.”
For those not on the Lakers’ payroll, however, defending the contract extension is much tougher, although Kobe still has huge support in Southern California. The Times ran several entertaining letters from readers in its Saturday editions, and Kobe supporters were represented by a reader named Willis Barton from Los Angeles:
“For all the Kobe haters who were claiming that the Lakers were a better team without Kobe, congratulations, your wishes just came through. Welcome to the new Lakers, starring Swaggy P. You will be fed a steady diet of D-League basketball in Lakers uniforms. Bon appétit. Be careful for what you wish for.”
The Kobe critics were represented by Bill Bell of Mar Vista, who wrote: “His inability to understand basketball is a five-man game and not simply a one-player showcase – no matter how great that player once was – means the Lakers are doomed to mediocrity as long as Kobe is still around.”
As a determined Kobe apologist, however, my view is slightly different. In the last three seasons, Bryant has had a torn Achilles’ tendon, a knee fracture and a torn rotator cuff on his right (shooting) arm. It’s futile to suggest or argue that after exactly 1,500 regular season and playoff games, which do not include exhibitions, international play and countless hours practicing, Bryant’s body is not breaking down.
After 19 seasons and more than 55,000 regular season and playoff minutes, it’s indisputable. Kobe is not Benjamin Button.
The criticism that he has been guilty of trying to do too much is valid. But look at the talent surrounding him. What would you rather do if you were Kobe – go one-on-three, try to create your own shot or toss it to an open Nick Young (.373 shooting percentage this season; career .424)?
Critics are missing the point because Kobe has to be judged for what he is, or what he can be, right now – not what he used to be. Kobe makes it tough on his supporters because he in fact seems to judge himself on what he once was.
But that is a byproduct of the genius and the brilliance that has made Bryant one of the top 10 players in NBA history. You can argue who is the greatest all you want, but in terms of competitiveness, Kobe fits right in with Michael, Magic and Larry.
There will be many calls for him to pack it in and enjoy the more than $300 million he will have made as a player, but Bryant has made it clear – and those who know him best believe – that he will attack the rehab for his rotator cuff and he will be back at some point for the 2015-16 season.
“As long as [the media] are saying that he’s done, he’s going to come back,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said. “He proved this year that he has a lot left in the tank and is still one of the best players in this league. If you guys keep saying he’s done, that’ll help him as well.”
The process of healing this time will be not only fascinating, but also a joy to watch. At a time when he could take the money and run, Bryant refuses to quit. In terms of work ethic and dedication, he is the essence of what we demand our athletes to be.
Does he have unrealistic expectations for himself? Yes, probably. But isn’t that great?
The Lakers have been criticized for being too loyal to Bryant and for overpaying him at an advanced age with reduced skills, but there is no doubt that he has returned that loyalty in multiples.
Maybe the Lakers won’t get their money’s worth in this two-year deal with Bryant. Maybe it’s foolish to say that it was a 100 percent correct business decision.
But in terms of what he has and will give the Lakers, and what he has and will give the fans, Bryant has been very consistent in his career. It’s always been 100 percent.
And next year when he is 37 years old and in his 20th season, I’m 100 percent confident that will not change.
Jan Hubbard has written about basketball since 1976 and worked in the NBA league office for eight years between media stints. Follow him on Twitter at @whyhub.
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Jan, this was just bout the DUMBEST contract they could have given out. The Lakers were morons for giving it out. Kobe was a bigger moron for taking it. Yeah, I said that — an idiot for taking $25,000,000 (wish I was that lucky).
Look, I know the CBA and Stern/Silver are on the warpath for any underhand agreements. But if I’m the Lakers, I go to Kobe and say this:
“Look, Kobes, we know based on what you have meant to the franchise that we can’t pay you enough. But we and you both know that if we pay you that amount it will KILL us under the cap. You aren’t looking to buy a yacht, you want a 6th Championship. Let’s pay you a token amount — something like $5-$10 MM — and use the rest to get a great player. You are aware that we have a very lucrative cable TV network, aren’t you ? And we also have jobs to fill here all the time. So without PROMISING you anything, I can say that if you were to finish your career here we’d certainly have some nice job for you that pays VERY WELL — coughcough.” LOL
What about “Kobe’s Korner” in a few years, he hosts his own pre- or post-game show? The NBA doesn’t dictate his salary on that…he makes it up there.
The Lakers are screwed and Kobe won’t even SNIFF a playoff spot next year, let alone a 6th Championship.