“If you look at their payroll, even if Dwight (Howard) comes back, you’ve got to ask the question: Should they amnesty Kobe?”
Mark did not stop there as he discussed not trading away Dirk but having to consider letting go other players to keep him.
“You just don’t know, right?” said Cuban, whose Mavs avoided the luxury tax the last two years despite Dirk Nowitzki’s $20-plus million salary by letting Tyson Chandler and other key pieces of the 2011 title team leave in free agency. “It’s the same reason I wouldn’t get rid of Dirk. I’ll take a hit for a season rather than get rid of Dirk. That’s just it. I’ve made that commitment to him over the years and he’s returned that commitment. Maybe that’s selfish, but that’s just the way it is.
“So I’m just saying that hypothetically. When I say amnesty Kobe, I don’t think they’d do it, but they’ve got some choices to make. Now, they’re in a big market, but they’re still limited. The Knicks, the same thing. Boston, same thing.”
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Cuban certainly brings up a valid point about the Lakers as they are currently held hostage by their roster’s salary. Since no moves were made before the deadline the Lakers will receive the highest luxury tax bill in the league. With having to pay the tax, Dwight becoming a free agent, and Pau Gasol, alongside Kobe, having big contracts already there will be huge decisions coming within the looming months.