Kobe Bryant signs extension in L.A.

For the past fourteen years, Kobe Bryant has played for the Los Angeles Lakers. During this time, he has gone from being just an average guard to becoming the best player in the NBA. With the upcoming 2010 free agency period, the list was expected to include Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. The name Kobe Bryant can be taken off of this list.

Following the 2007 NBA Playoffs, Bryant demanded that he be traded from the Lakers. At the time, the team was nothing outside of him. Kobe Bryant felt that the best way for him and the team to improve was for him to move on. The Lakers ignored the pleas from Kobe to leave. As a result, he stuck it out and the Lakers are now one of the top teams in the NBA.

Back in 2007, no one would have ever guessed that Bryant would re-sign with the team. However, following his fourth championship, Bryant wants to retire in Los Angeles. To ensure his retirement, Kobe Bryant has signed a three-year deal with the Lakers that is worth $83.5 million. The deal does not kick in until after next season. When it does kick in Kobe will be making $27.8 million a year. When the contract expires, Kobe Bryant will have spent eighteen seasons in the NBA, all with the Lakers.