Kobe Bryant still hasn’t returned to the court for the Lakers this season, but that didn’t keep L.A. from inking the perennial All Star to a new contract on Monday.
Bryant, who was set to be a free agent after this season, signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers on Monday, according to ESPN LA. The 35-year-old is currently being paid a league-high $30 million this season, and he’s expected to remain the top-paid player in the NBA during the two seasons under his extension as well, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN LA.
Bryant’s deal is expected to be worth nearly $50 million in total value, with ESPN’s Darren Rovell even reporting that Bryant will make $23.5 million in 2014-15 and $25 million in 2015-16, keeping him as the league’s top earner.
Bryant, 35, suffered a torn Achilles in the final week of last season and just began practicing with the Lakers again recently. He isn’t expected to return to the team until closer to the new year. Before the injury, Bryant was averaging 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and a career-high 6.0 assists per game.
A 15-time All Star, Bryant has also been named the All-NBA first team 11 times, won the NBA MVP in 2008 and has won five NBA titles, including two NBA Finals MVP awards.
