Written by Dave Pustilnik
| 24 February 2010
Gotta love those writers at espn.com. Always coming up with various conspiracy theories out of boredom. They gotta talk about something at all those Live Chats that they do every day. Well the latest theory to immaculately appear out of nowhere is Kobe could be heading to Chicago this offseason. If that's the first time you're hearing about it, surely your heart skipped a beat. Relax. As of right now, it's total nonsense. Yet, it's intriguing.
What amazes me is that Kobe has been talked about approximately 0 times with regard to free agency this offesason up until now. It amazes me that it is not common knowledge that Kobe has an early termination option in his contract, allowing him to opt out of the $24 million that he's due to earn next season if he so chooses. I understand why it seems unlikely. The Lakers are coming off a championship season and they are one of the best teams in the league this season and favored to repeat. How could he want to leave? There's no way, right? Well...as they say...anything is possible. There are several things that will influence his decision, with the main thing being whether the Lakers piss him off by playing hardball with regards to his extension. Both camps have been working on this extension behind the scenes now since about summer time. I, along with everyone else, strongly believe that they want to come to an agreement that will ensure that Kobe retires a Laker. However, you can't always get what you want. But I do believe it will happen.
The other thing that could influence his decision is Phil Jackson possibly leaving the Lakers. Does Kobe want to play for anyone else at this point in his career. Thinking back to when Michael was 31 or 32, I can't really picture him being okay with playing for anyone other than Phil. He had won three championships with Phil by the time he was 31, and you have to think that if Phil was gone, Michael would have been none to pleased with the Bulls. Well Kobe has won 4 championships with Phil. And I'd imagine that if Phil was out of the picture, Kobe would have a lot less incentive to stay with the Lakers at this point in his career if he felt he could go be a winner with some young talent elsewhere.
So what if Kobe doesn't get that extension? What if he opts out? What if Phil leaves? Well then Kobe very well could test the market. And if he tests the market, word on the street is he looking at the Bulls. We could be looking at deja vu from a few years back if that happens. However, he could very well end up just re-signing with the Lakers for a new lucrative 5-year deal just as he did in that fateful summer a few years ago. Here's what
Chad Ford of espn.com had to say about it.
"Justin (NJ)
What are the chances Kobe opts out?
Chad Ford
(1:21 PM)
It's interesting. His camp has been talking about an extension since last summer. It hasn't happened. I think Jerry Buss is playing hard ball. Kobe is in a good position if he's really willing to leave LA. Lots of teams have cap room. The Knicks would love to land him as an alternative to LeBron. Ditto for the Bulls and Clippers. My guess is he uses it as leverage to get Buss to pay him more money. But we could see some drama this summer surrounding it, but eventually I think Kobe will end up back in LA with the Lakers."
Chris Sheridan also weighed in on the Bulls chances to get Kobe. He also showed how big of a Bulls hater he is, probably from his Knicks being dominated for years upon years.
"Jack (Chicago)
More desireable location, the NY Knicks or the Chicago Bulls?
Chris Sheridan
(3:55 PM)
Look, Jack, I am biased. I go with NY, cuz that's home for me. But here is a little tidbit of info: Both teams are based way out in the suburbs, and the players' commute on game days can be gruesome given the traffic. Also, Chicago's traffic is far worse than NY's, which gives the Big Apple another thumbs-up when comparing the two places."
"Zach (Chicago)
Why do people keep writing off the Bulls for the Lebron sweepstakes? They can offer a max contract & Chicago is a very desirable place to be both market wise and talent wise.
Chris Sheridan
(3:59 PM)
Miami: Warm in January.New York: Never sleeps.Chicago: Bitterly cold, have to walk past Michael Jordan's statue on the way to work.I will say this though: If Kobe Bryant continues to say no to the extension the Lakers are offering him, and if Phil Jackson starts to talk as though he's leaving, Chicago comes onto the rdar in a big, big way. Remember, when Kobe was trying to force a trade two and a half years ago, the Bulls were the team working most diligently to get him -- right up until two days before the season-opener."
Really Sheridan? Players won't come to Chicago because the commute to the stadium is more difficult in Chicago than New York? First of all, is that even true? Second of all, are you serious? I don't really think they take the commute from the suburbs to downtown Chicago into consideration when making their decision as to where they want to sign a long term max contract. And believe me, I do the commute ALL THE TIME and it is not that bad. Seriously, gimme a break. At least he admits the Bulls could get Kobe if he opts out. HATER.
Bottom line, there's no question that the Bulls can sign him if they were given that option, assuming they don't get Wade or LeBron. But let's not hold our breath. I firmly believe that Kobe will remain and retire a Laker.
