Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told the media that he fully expects Kobe Bryant to retire at the end of next season. The veteran is entering the final year of his contract and is once again coming back from a season-ending injury as many expect retirement would come into play sooner rather than later. Kupchak made it clear this would not impact the team's run in free agency, but certain NBA players believe Bryant's presence might actually hurt the Lakers more than help them.
According to Milwaukee Bucks forward Jared Dudley, players do not want to play with Bryant. The forward told the media that Bryant's inability to defer to his teammates is a big turn off to free agents in the league. He is not wrong in saying that Bryant always tries to do it himself. The veteran led the Lakers by 10 shots with 70 games to play. After the injury he finished third on the team in total shot attempts. As Bryant continues to age, Dudley believes he should rely more on teammates, something the star does not do.
"If you saw Jordan when he played with the Wizards, he started toning it down a little bit," Dudley said, via ESPN's Colin Cowherd. "He knew he didn't have it. Kobe is the opposite. He wants to show everyone so much. I remember seeing Kobe, I think it was 70 games in [this past season] and he had out-shot the whole Lakers team by like 100 shots. C'mon now. We love you, Kobe, but c'mon. It's, like, it's now time to start giving up. Most guys don't want to play with Kobe."
It is unclear whether or not this is really a factor for free agents. However, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders has reported before that players might be hesitant to sign on with the Lakers and take over the Bryant throne. The Lakers have a marquee list of free agents they intend on targeting including Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rajon Rondo. With Bryant on the way out, they would be the next generation for Los Angeles which may or may not be appealing.
The Lakers have a lot of rebuilding to do. According to the Los Angeles Times, Bryant intends to be active in the recruiting of free agents while also potentially giving his input on what the Lakers will do with the No. 2 overall draft pick that will either be used for Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor.
