Kobe Bryant's NBA status off season has been mired with lots of rumors and speculations. Some were saying that he will not be able to play on the upcoming season of the NBA and others were saying that this season would be his last. Mitch Kupchak, Lakers general manager, gave a somewhat enigmatic statement with regards to the Lakers' superstar current and future status. Kupchak via bleacherreport stated that;
"He has indicated to me this is it. He's on the last year of a deal. There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don't think there will be. A year from now, if there's something different to discuss, then it will be discussed."
Though the statement could somehow be interpreted in favor of a retirement or game pause, Bryant definitely clarified one issue regarding his career. Bryant in a statement via bleacherreport clearly stated that he would be playing for the pre-season. On his statement he said that;
"No, I'm definitely playing. [I didn't] come all the way out here, [where] people are going to be coming to the game, and you're going to be sitting on the bench? That's not cool. If it is, it is, If it isn't. I'll be ready for next season. I don't spend too much time thinking about it. I've got enough to think about."
True to his words and as expected by most of his fans, Bryant was present and was able to play during their first preseason game against Utah Jazz. On his first shot attempt, the ball hit the backboard but it didn't discourage the NBA veteran who missed 47 games due to a shoulder injury last year. On another attempt made by Bryant, he was able to score from the rainbow territory, scoring his first three on this major comeback.
The league and most especially his team expects much from Kobe as he would be leading a less experience and younger generation of LA Lakers. Aside from the 3 veteran on the court, majority of his teammates are either rookies or sophomores that are said to be the future of the Lakers franchise.
