Did the L.A. Lakers just make a really bad bet? A few days ago, the Lakers and Kobe Bryant agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension. This is no doubt a great deal for the Black Mamba, but is #24, who is well past his prime, really worth so much money at this stage of his pro career? Or is this multi-million dollar contract more about Kobe’s name recognition, star power, and ability to attract fans, not his future athletic prowess or ability to win championships?
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I think the later. He is definitely past his prime and prone to injuries. I think they need him to attract fans. But once the fans see that he is not the star that he used to be and the organization starts losing their fan base they will regret wasting so much money. That money should be spent to get several good players.
In my opinion the Lakers did not really make a bad bet, because despite the fact he is getting older and past his prime, he is still in fact worth the money the Lakers gave him. Rather than making a bad bet, they made a nice gesture to one of the greatest players in their franchise’s history (which is a pretty big deal given the Lakers history- Shaq, Magic, Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, I could go on). Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers all time in points, steals, games played, minutes played, field goals, field goal attempts, 3 point field goals, three point field goat attempts, free throws, and free throw attempts. To say he is not one of the primary reasons the Lakers are what they are today is outrageous. In addition, he has won five N.B.A. titles. This contract he signed was more about his name recognition, star power, and ability to attract fans. Although it can be argued the contract was a little steep and a nice gesture could of been made with a smaller amount of money offered, the Lakers believed this is what was appropriate. No matter what Laker fans will always love Kobe for what he has done for their team.
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