The Los Angeles Lakers are in quite the slump even with Kobe Bryant doing all he can to carry the struggling team. Bryant, who currently averages 25.2 points, 4.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, is leading a team of the former NBA champions with a standing of 5-16.
According to LA Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak, who spoke to NBA.com, he believes Kobe may be retiring from the league in 2016 when his contract extension expires.
The two year contract signed by Bryant, 36, last season will carry him through 2015-2016, his 20th NBA year but Kupchak doesn't expect the veteran to play any further.
"All indications are, to me, from him, that this (two-year contract) is going to be it," Kupchak said. "If somebody's thinking of buying a ticket three years from now to see Kobe play, I would not do that. Don't wait. Do it this year."
In 2016, Bryant, who has spent 18 years with the Lakers, will be 38 years old.
The view of Kupchak is contrary to the assessment of Lakers head coach Byron Scott. He believes Bryant can continue on beyond the existing contract as long as the Lakers remain competitive, reported SB Nation's SSR.
Kobe has also teased a possible retirement but didn't definitely confirm his plans. In an interview with InsideSoCal.com's Mark Medina, via Fansided, Kobe said: "Maybe. Maybe not. I don't want to be coy about it," Bryant said following the Lakers' 111-95 loss on Wednesday to the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. "I don't know what to tell you. Right now I'd say no. But it doesn't matter. Would that change a year from now or something like that?"
Kobe is making $24 million a year over the next two years and Sporting News notes how he's focused on getting the championship.
"I've just got to keep making the right play," said the Hall of Famer. "Just go to make the right play, man, and control what I can control. The way I look at it is I try to do my job, which is attack 'em, punish 'em when they single-cover, make the doubles come, and then kick it and see if we can't make 'em pay."
Bryant is returning from two injuries, namely a torn Achilles and a recent knee surgery. The Lakers is 5-16 overall and only ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the standings of the Western Conference.
