On Monday, the news broke about Kobe Bryant’s decision to undergo surgery on his right shoulder that is expected to be season-ending. The superstar elected to surgically repair the rotator cuff on his right shoulder and therefore, is expected miss the next four to six months.
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With Kobe expected to be shutdown for rest of the season, the debate has begun on whether Bryant should call it a career and forgo the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although Kobe admitted to considering early retirement, even before going down with the shoulder injury, the consensus seems to be that he’ll return for the 2015-16 NBA season, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
Those around Kobe say he is definitively coming back to play next season. Doesn't want to go out like this.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) January 26, 2015
Along with all signs pointing to Kobe’s return for a 20th season with the Lakers, the five-time NBA champion is intent on recruiting free agents to Los Angeles. Quite a few intriguing players will hit the free agent market this summer with the Lakers waiting to reach out come July 1.
Some notable soon-to-be free agents the Lakers will likely pursue are Rajon Rondo, Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Monroe and Kevin Love to name a few. The Lakers may also send some offer sheets to a few restricted free agents like Reggie Jackson and Jimmy Butler.
[divide]Byron Scott Reacts To News Of Kobe Bryant’s Surgery