No way Bryant does that. The guy is facing major legal bills and an uncertain future. He goes for a max salary somewhere.
Could his legal bills possibly exceed $30 million? I doubt it.
Leaving him a net worth of $170 million to squeek by on. Even at a *lesser* base salary of *only* 7 million a year not counting endorsements, which are what, +$25 million a year for Bryant even with his image taking a hit? So Bryant will make $32 mil next year at the minimum?
Even if the Colorado woman wins a civil suit could it seems $10 mil would be enough for her and attys to settle.
No Joe, unless there is some vice he blows it on he doesn't need the money. He will probably go for the money yes. It would just be refreshing for an NBA player, esp a star to actually have a title be the 1st priority. For what would appear to be only the 2nd time in NBA history. It was nice to see Malone and Payton do it last year but really why should their priorities have now changed? What, they
don't want a title now? Malone can't get by on his $100+ million worth, cant (won't) play for the minimal in Purple n Gold this upcoming year? Time will tell, i agree with you that he is simply talking the talk about his agent saying it will
only be with the Lakers.
With Kobe how much would it polish his NBA resume to add another title. I think it would be huge. The media would forever hype 4 in 6 years. He could go for it again in 2005-2006. 5 in 7 years? That would create tons of MJ-Kobe comparisons. The endorsments would return twofold. He needs to become a Spur. Of course it will be interesting to see what roster the Lakers end up with for 2004-5.
