*Fan Submission by Jack Bolesta of College Park, Maryland.*
It has been a challenging year for the Los Angeles Lakers as they fight
to stay in the eighth seed slot for the playoffs. This year has been a
different “Lake-show” than many basketball fans are used to seeing. With
probably one of the best line-ups – at least on paper – the Los Angeles Lakers
have already fallen below expectations.
Courtesy: NY Daily News
For years, Kobe Bryant has been at the center of attention, playing on offense
and making wins for the Lakers. However, Bryant’s contract will end in 2014, which
means that by summer, he will have to decide whether to extend his contract or
retire. Is it too soon for the Black Mamba to hang up the purple and gold? Some
would argue that it is, but with his dominate career of wins, scoring titles,
broken records, and championships, who could be mad at Bryant if he does decide
to retire? Although, when that time does come, it will be a sad day for
basketball fans all over the globe, and an even worse day for Lakers fans
everywhere.
Of three players (Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Kobe Bryant), Steve
Nash is the only one that is a secure return to the Lakers; Nash signed a
3-year deal with the Lakers when he became a part of the team in 2012. As
stated before, Bryant’s contract will end in 2014, and Dwight Howard will be a
free agent this upcoming summer. Bryant’s decision on whether or not to retire
this summer, could greatly impact the team; the chances of losing Dwight Howard
will sky rocket.
This subpar Lakers team is suffering this season, as many players are riddled
with injuries. If Howard opts to leave because of Bryant expressing his limited
playing days, then the Lakers will need to act fast in the free agency, so that
they can sign powerful players. However, if Bryant does leave the team and the
Lakers are left without Howard, and Steve Nash isn’t 100-percent up-to-par,
then the team will be facing even bigger problems.
The Los Angeles Lakers have always been highly sought after by NBA players, but
with the possible retirement of one of the greatest players in franchise
history, the Lakers could very well suffer a great deal.
Lakers’ fans are fully confident that they can #countonkobe to get them into
the playoffs, however, I’m not sure they can #countonkobe to secure the Lakers’
long-term future if Bryant retires this summer.
