Kobes Last Stand: Free Agency Options

Kobe Bryant- A great career coming to an end?

Kobe Bryant has been one of the toughest competitors of all time. The future Hall of Famer is known for never backing down. We’ve seen him earn respect from everyone on the court by being a 17-time all-star having 5 rings in his hand. He’s also achieved miraculous feats such as having an 81-point game and surpassing Michael Jordan for the 3rd place in the all-time NBA scoring list.

These incredible achievements have taken a toll on Kobe’s body over time and his 19-year career may finally come to an end following this season. He has missed far too many games these past few years due to injuries to his Achilles and rotator cuff. Bryant and the Lakers organization understand that when his contract expires next season, it will be in the best interest of both parties that he retires.

If there’s one thing everyone knows about Kobe, it’s that he loves to win more than he hates to lose. With his last season on the horizon, Kobe Bryant wants to go out with a bang; and in order to accomplish that, comes the age old issue of the supporting cast. They acquired D’Angelo Russell in the draft and now they need a skilled big man to balance the team. Since they aren’t sure if they want to trade in Russell to the Kings for DeMarcus Cousins, they have to see what's the best option in free agency.

Complicated Love

The transition from Minnesota to Cleveland was good for Kevin Love’s career. It gave him a chance to be the second or third best player on this championship contending team. He becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and he’s facing a tough decision about his future. His top options remain between having a second year with LeBron’s Cavaliers and going back to his UCLA roots while teaming up with Kobe. Love has informed Cleveland that he doesn’t plan on leaving them, but the Lakers will have a max contract ready for him if he changes his mind.

Most Improved Butler

Jimmy Butler has had an amazing season winning the NBA most improved player 2014-15. But he wants to take his skills elsewhere and take advantage of the new TV deal after Tom Thibodeau’s firing and chemistry issues with Derrick Rose. He wants to sign a one-year deal with the Lakers and it’s a win-win since the Lakers will highly benefit from him playing the rotation with their young core of Russell and Randle. The only loser in the deal will be the Bulls. But Butler will be a restricted free agent and Chicago is prepared to match any offer presented in order to retain him.

Aldridge the Gap

Will LaMarcus Aldridge stay with the Trail Blazers?

LaMarcus Aldridge has played his 9-year long career with the Portland Trail Blazers and now as an unrestricted free agent, he’s almost certain that he wants to leave the franchise. Los Angeles is said to be among his top destinations and he already owns a house in southern California. The Lakers will offer Aldridge a 4 year, $80 million contract when free agency begins. A seasoned veteran of his caliber is sure to give the Lakers the depth they need. LaMarcus teaming up with Kobe next season is one of the most likely things we can expect this free agency.

In case this doesn’t work out, the Lakers’ plan B will be to get DeAndre Jordan who will also become an unrestricted free agent. Even though the transition from the Clippers to the Lakers will not require relocation, these teams have had an old rivalry that may spark if Jordan switches sides.

With Randle coming back from an unfortunate injury in his debut game, the Lakers are expected to have an above average team this season. The fight from holding the worst record last season to being a contender in this one will be a heroic one. Who better for the quest than Kobe Bryant?

PS- Hope he doesn’t get injured again.

Edited by Staff Editor