Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Kobe Bryant Believes His Contract Extension Was A Discount
Lakers News

Kobe Bryant Believes His Contract Extension Was A Discount

Corey Hansford
Published: 11/21/2014
2 Min Read
SHARE

When Kobe Bryant signed his two-year extension last year, many people were disappointed as they had hoped Kobe would take less than what he did in order to allow the Lakers the most cap room possible to sign new free agents.

— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —

One player who took far less than he is worth is Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. Even though others have taken less money, Kobe still believes that his extension was a discount according to Mike Bresnahan of the LA Times:

Kobe on still-scrutinized $48.5M contract: "Did I take a discount? Yeah. Did I take as big a discount as some fans would want me to? No."

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 21, 2014

Kobe once again pointed to the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was agreed to as giving the owners the advantage over the players according to the OC Register’s Bill Oram:

This a.m. in Dallas, Kobe again defended his contract, calling it a “coup” for owners if public perception favors stars taking pay cuts.

— Bill Oram (@billoram) November 21, 2014

Kobe’s point about the CBA is spot on. It requires the best players to take less money otherwise they are labeled as selfish players who don’t really care about winning. Kobe and the Lakers have also pointed out that the Lakers had max cap room regardless of his contract, and the team will have around $30 million in space this coming off-season as well.

Players like Nowitzki or Tim Duncan who play in lesser markets and have taken less money are looked at as good examples. Kobe wanted to be paid what he deserved and the Lakers gave it to him. Whether it truly hinders the Lakers ability to compete remains to be seen.

[divide]

Lakers vs. GSW: Kobe Talks Shaq Sitting Courtside, Team’s Mood


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?