Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently made comments concerning the Lakers and their use of the amnesty provision in the new CBA, and suggested they use it on Kobe Bryant. There’s no question Bryant’s contract is an enormous hindrance for the team financially, and Cuban suggested that the team rid themselves of his deal and focus on moving forward.
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However, several people in Los Angeles, including team spokesman John Black, were not too fond of Cuban’s comments, according to Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News.
“We’re aware of Mark Cuban’s comments. We feel they’re inappropriate,” Lakers spokesman John Black said. “As far as the issue itself, we’re not going to comment publicly on the amnesty issue as it relates to any of our players.”
Bryant was also asked about Cuban’s remarks following Friday night’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. In typical Kobe fashion, he laughed them off and downplayed the entire situation.
Kobe Bryant on Mark Cuban suggesting Lakers should use amnesty clause on him: “He would love that I’m sure.”
— Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) February 23, 2013
While the financial benefits of amnestying a player with Kobe’s contract are certainly there, don’t expect the team to be considering this move anytime soon. Bryant is still producing at a high level, despite being in his 17th NBA season.
