As part of the two-year deal, Bryant will be paid $48.5 million, a figure many people believe is too high. Those that do not feel as though Bryant is worth all that money argue that the team is jeopardizing future success by giving away massive cap space.
However, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony told NewsDay that he thinks the Lakers should pay Bryant more than what they are actually giving him.
“They got off easy,” Anthony said. “He’s Kobe, man . . . I’d at least give him 40 [million] a year and let him bow out gracefully.”
Anthony has immense respect for Bryant and those two have developed a strong bond over the years. From All-Star games to various international tournaments, Bryant and Anthony have been two players that just seem to work well together.
Anthony has the option to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the chances of that happening are increasing as the Knicks stand at a dismal 3-10. Even though the Lakers will be unable to offer Anthony the max, they can get pretty close to it which may be enough to entice Melo to come to Los Angeles.
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Kobe Bryant Signs 2-Year $48.5 Million Contract Extension Will Lakers