Kobe Bryant plays many different roles for the Los Angeles Lakers, but general manager is not one of them.
Still, the postseason plan the Mamba laid out during his exit interview is one that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak would be wise to follow: add length, speed and athleticism to this aging roster (via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times).
Of course, saying it is a lot easier than doing it, particularly with the Lakers facing a possible $85 million luxury tax bill.
The tax hit doesn't need to be quite so dramatic.
L.A. has $78 million committed to next year's payroll, assuming Metta World Peace does not opt out of his $7.7 million salary for next season (via HoopsHype.com). Obviously that figure grows incrementally if the team finds a way to re-sign Dwight Howard, but it can also dip if the franchise opts to exercise its amnesty clause on Pau Gasol ($19.2 million) or World Peace.
Kobe Bryant ($30.4 million) isn't going anywhere. Likewise for Steve Nash ($9.3 million), Steve Blake ($4.0 million), Chris Duhon ($3.9 million) and Jordan Hill ($3.5 million). Jodie Meeks could also be a part of the mix, but the Lakers will determine ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Zach Buckley
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