Kobe Bryant, 35, will make a comeback from his Achillies tendon tear in time to return to the Lakers for two more seasons. He will receive $48 million for both seasons, continuing to be the highest paid player in the NBA.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak made a statement about Bryant’s return on Monday. “This is a very happy day for Lakers fans and for the Lakers organization,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “We’ve said all along that our priority and hope was to have Kobe finish his career as a Laker, and this should ensure that that happens. To play 20 years in the NBA, and to do so with the same team, is unprecedented, and quite an accomplishment. Most importantly however, it assures us that one of the best players in the world will remain a Laker, bringing us excellent play and excitement for years to come.”
