I’m No Punk I Just Want To Be Paid

Coming off something of a disappointing season and the losing of a series in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA . One can well understand the urgency of Danny Ferry as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers . Ferry knows that in order for the franchise to remain relevant and to be still in the good graces of their superstar , LeBron James . The GM will have to surround the player with talent that’s commensurate to James’ liking and his talent.

LeBron James (left) and Shaquille O'Neal seen here prior to the 2006 NBA All Star Game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ L . Otero ............

Now , while many might question the team’s acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns via a blockbuster trade, as seemingly is the custom concerning O’Neal. As of late the only thing that one can associate with O’Neal and his game . May well be the fact that he’s still somewhat quicker on his feet than that of former star of the ” The Golden Girls ” , Betty White . Agility and guile are no longer a part of Shaq’s repertoire. But Ferry’s presence of mind may well have been , that in order to keep his erstwhile star happy, he had to do something extravagant. O’Neal’s game though with flashes of brilliance still, as he deems fit to use it. It’s a long way off from what it once was. In Phoenix , he was ill-suited to the team’s up tempo style. And seeing him lumbering up and down the US Airways Arena like a pregnant pachyderm wasn’t at all how one likes to remember the once dominant superstar.

In the midst of this all we now have to remember that James is in the final year of his contract. And with the gluttony of elite free agents due in 2010 . It’s understandable that the player is hedging his bets at present. He’s stated that it is his wish to remain a Cavaliers’ player at present. But it wasn’t so long ago , he was stating that he could see himself spending his entire career with the franchise. That may well have been pleasing to ear of the franchise’s owner, Dan Gilbert . Bearing in mind, that Gilbert got a large cash infusion by selling a minority stake in the franchise, to a prominent Chinese businessman. And he no doubt views having James within the fold , will make the franchise much more of marketing tool for the Far Eastern market. And at the same time raise both theirs and that of James’ visibility, there also in that particular market.

James (center) seen here with Rich Paul (left) and and former high school teammate Brandon Weems (right) at an event for the launch of the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes , held at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron , Ohio . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jason Miller ................

Clearly this’ll be a make or break year , for not only James but also for O’Neal and the Cavaliers’ franchise. And if they’re to have any semblance of success. Then it’ll not only James and O’Neall but also the rest of the team to makes themselves all the more prominant in that success on the field of play. The nucleus of the team will be built around James , Mo Williams , Zydrunas Ilgauskas , Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. But much of that’ll also be predicated upon the benchwarmers also contributing to the productivity of the team as well.

And for coach Mike Brown , he too can ill afford to have this team underachieve this season. Anything short of an appearance in the Confernce Finals . And more likely than not , he’ll be out of his position as coach of the Cavaliers. The situation for the franchise is as grave as that !

Source Yahoo Sports in conjunction with AP :

LeBron says he wants to keep his options open

By Tom Withers AP Sports Writer

AKRON, Ohio-(AP) LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike , James , who has given no indication as he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comment yet about to his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a contract in 2006 with an option so he could have more flexibility once it expires . cont’d …………….

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In no uncertain terms, anything less than appearance in either the conference or NBA Finals. And a win of the latter and the probability will be that James will depart from the franchise , where he’s made it his home for the last six years. And as much as it might anguish the Cavaliers’ fans. The player has done as much as he possibly can, given the resources made available to him. That being said when one considers that this time around he’ll have O’Neal in his corner. If he should fall short of what had been previously accomplished by both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade , with Shaq as a partner . Then the daggers may well come out and questions’ll be asked if James is now merely cashing it all in , merely for the riches from a franchise willing to shell out a king’s ransom for his services.

Global icon or not at the end of the day if it ain’t about the success. Then it’s got to be about those lovely bones !

The Basketball Oracle Special: Writer Choices

 

Who is the Best Shooter in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Ray Allen

Ryan Drescher - Jason Kapono

David Downs – Ray Allen

Jace Puckett – Ray Allen

Nathan – Ray Allen

Marlowe Alter – Ray Allen

Eric Johnson Jr. – Rashard Lewis

Timothy Tan – Ray Allen

 

Who is the Best Dunker in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Jason Richardson

Ryan Drescher – Dwight Howard

David Downs – LeBron James

Jace Puckett – Vince Carter

Nathan – Vince Carter

Marlowe Alter – Jason Richardson

Eric Johnson Jr. – Nate Robinson

Timothy Tan – Vince Carter

 

Who is the Best Passer in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Chris Paul

Ryan Drescher – Chris Paul

David Downs – Chris Paul

Jace Puckett – Chris Paul

Nathan – Steve Nash

Marlowe Alter – Steve Nash

Eric Johnson Jr. – Steve Nash

Timothy Tan – Steve Nash

 

Who is the Best Perimeter Defender in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Shane Battier

Ryan Drescher – Kobe Bryant

David Downs – Shane Battier

Jace Puckett – Kobe Bryant

Nathan – Kobe Bryant

Marlowe Alter – Shane Battier

Eric Johnson Jr. – Ron Artest

Timothy Tan – Shane Battier

What Kobe Wants, Kobe Gets. Well, At Least Most Of The Time

Well the off-season proved to be an upheaval for a number of teams around the NBA . And that’s to be expected , as many teams felt that they had a rather disappointing season. For the Los Angeles Lakers who came off winning their 15th NBA title, it was something of a well executed season, all-round.

Kobe Bryant the Finals' MVP seen here in Manila , Philippines. While there , the player will be conducting several Nike sponsored youth basketball coaching clinics. The player will also be traveling to Tapei , China. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Richard Chao ............................

And for the team’s All Star guard Kobe Bryant , it was a for a prophecy fulfilled. Those who cast doubt as to whether or not he could win a title without Shaquille O’Neal. Finally saw that Bryant could do it without him, given a good complement players to surround the player with the facets needed.

Lakers' first round pick Chinemelu Elonu (left) and the Clippers' Marcellus Kemp battle for a loose ball during an NBA Summer League Game played in Las Vegas , Nevada. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Laura Rausch ............................

Well for the Lakers this off-season was no different with the departure of one their heroes in the postseason, in Trevor Ariza. The player seeking a commmitment from the team in terms of a long term contract paying him considerably more money. It was felt by the player that would be the Lakers’ form of showing loyalty to him for his contributions to the team’s success. Alas, it wasn’t to be as they were not prepared to acquiesce to his demands. He eventually signed as a free-agent with the Houston Rockets. And much to everyone’s surprise moving in the opposite direction from the Rockets was Ron Artest, who was signed by the Lakers.

Artest has let it be known that he has come to the Lakers to contribute further, to the team’s success and fulfill his ambition of winning an NBA title. Well that’s what he’s got to say at this juncture . But I guess we can believe him. For Bryant , he’s welcomed the player with open arms and admits that he’d rather have Artest as a teammate , rather than having to play against him on a regular basis within the Western Conference.

Free-agency and the problems that it can sometimes create. Well for the general manager of the teams, they’ve got to be financially prudent and at the same look to improve the team’s roster in the places necessary. At times it may well mean having to lose a valuable asset. But then it can mean having to acquire a player without having to overpay for that talent. However, when it comes to a situation that’s now fomenting with regard to Odom and his desire to be paid commensurate to what he believe is his perceived value. It in effect puts the Lakers and their GM Mitch Kupchak in something of a dilemma. Bryant is optimistic that the player will remain with the team. Odom is an unrestricted free-agent.

Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak who has worked closely in unison with the team's coach Phil Jackson in assembling the Lakers championship winning team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elisio Gonzalez .........................

Overtures have been made towards the player by the Miami Heat . And Dwyane Wade of the Heat has made it known that it his desire to see Odom become a Miami Heat player. It could very well become a tug of war for the player’s services. But much of that’ll be predicated on the deisres of both teams. The Heat for their part are also pursuing Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz . And it remains their number one priority at present. But that’s not to say that their interest in Odom is on the decline.

The perceived view is that Odom while a very good player. He remains an enigma for all who’ve seen him play. At his very best he’s player who can give you 20pts , 10reb’s on regular basis, were it his desire to do so. And it plainly comes down to <strong desire and his willingness to contribute to a team consistently. And therein lies the enigma with regard to Lamar Odom. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they might not defer to Bryant when it comes to a final decision on the issue. Although they’ll probably listen to any input on the matter from the player. Coach Phil Jackson for his part has kept his cards close to his chest. And for the Lakers’ fans it’s not really hard to see where their loyalties lie on this very issue. They’re probably 70-30 in favor of seeing Odom leave. He was viewed as a valid member of a championship winning team. But his time has come , and it’s viewed that he ought to be bid , a hearty farewell and thanks for memories. If nothing it’s the least that the fans could do for the player.

Kobe Bryant (left) and teammate Lamar Odom (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Odom will remain a Laker for the forseeable future. As it'd appear that contract negotiations have stalled. The player is also said a desired target of the Miami Heat. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elvis Takahida ...................

Possibly at the end of it all the player’ll remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not he’d be prepared to play for the team at a reduced salary remains to be seen. The mid-level salary cap would be the preferable option for the team. And at between $4.5m-$6m it wouldn’t appear to be an excessive amount to be playing a veteran such as Odom. Though the player himself. may well feel that he could be in line for a better offer from the Miami Heat. And it’s rumored that he’s looking for a long term contract of between 4 and 5 years paying $30-$35m at between $6-$7m per year .

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. It is Wade's desire to see the Heat reacquire the player. But it'd appear that the team's pursuance of Carlos Boozer is of the utmost priority for the franchise. That's not to suggest that their interest in Odom has waned . picture appears courtesy of weblogs.com @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .................

The business side of any sport is littered with decisions that’ve been to the detriment of a team , or what ultimately proves to be of benefit to them. As to the decision to be made by the Lakers’ hierarchy. They know that for all sense and purpose this just won’t be about positives far outweighing the negatives with regard to Lamar Odom. But more in line with what’s best for the team from a financial and competitive aspect.

Lamar Odom or Carlos Boozer To The Miami Heat? Sorry, I Can’t Dignify That With An Answer

So the free agency period is here and a number of teams around the league have begun to retool their rosters for next year. Now as much as it pains me to say this. The Miami Heat are doing little to persuade their All Star guard Dwyane Wade , that they mean business in strengthening their roster.

Lamar Odom (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carlos Boozer (right)of the Utah Jazz. Both players are said to be targets of the Miami Heat. There's a remote possibility that both players could be signed to complelment Dwyane Wade, the Heat's All Star guard. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Alastair Walsh ..........

Now far be it for me to suggest that the two players they’re said to be assessing with a view to signing are not worthy of playing alongside Wade. But in Carlos Boozer and Lamar Odom , you’re basically getting two players who consistently tend to underperform, given their undoubted talents.

But in all reality there’s no way that in viewing the addition of either Boozer or Odom, would one assess that the Heat would become a legitimate contender within the Eastern Conference of NBA . Not with the splash made by the Boston Celtics in signing Rasheed Wallace . Which in effect places them right back on top as the prohibitive favorite within the conference. Whilst the Cleveland Cavaliers believe that their fate may well lie in the fact , that in acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns , they can redeem themselves after their loss in the conference finals.

And whilst Wade is under no immediate pressure in signing a contract. He’s stated that he’d like to see the team improve the roster greatly, in order to become and remain more competitive.

Dwyane Wade seen here in a postseason playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images / Isaac Baldizon ..........................

Speculation is now rife that either of the two players will be making South Florida their home. And for the Utah Jazz’s Carlos Boozer , he’s made it known that he expects the team to make a sign and trade deal that’d create such a move.And with the state’s other NBA team , in the Orlando Magic aqcuiring Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets , the matching of the offer made to backup center Marcin Gortat. It can be said Miami team President Pat Riley is under due pressure to appease Wade and prove to him that he wants the player to remain and challenge for postseason honors.

The fans in Miami remain resolute in the fact that they’d like see Wade remain in a Heat uniform. And if anything play his entire career with the team. But as of now that may well be asking too much. Obviously with the unrelenting state of the economy , a number of teams around the league have trimmed their payroll and looked to get the best players available within what they deem to be fair market value . However, in the case of Wade how do you assess a player of his stature ? Much less players such as Carlos Boozer or Lamar Odom. Granted , Odom had a wonderful postseason in assisting the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title. Buth theirs was one of a concerted team effort , wherein Kobe Bryant willed and led the team with great aplomb to the series win and title. His teammates merely followed the example, with which he led.

The intricacies of the game as it now stands. It’s not now just about the talent on the floor. But even more so about the financial wizardry of the front executives and what they believe to be feasible and in the best interests of a franchise in order to attain success. Such are the vagaries of today’s game , that an executive is almost as important , if not more so than a player on the floor.

Yahoo ! Sports :

Heat targeting both Boozer and Odom

By Adrian Wojarnowski Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS- Pat Riley has listened to Dwyane Wade express his unease with the Miami Heat sitting out the Eastern Conference arms race this summer. As the Boston Celtics , Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic elevated themselves as championship contenders, the Heat president sold his superstar on patience, promising to surround him with talent for the long run.

Now the Heat are working furiously to deliver Lamar Odom and Carlos Boozer to the shores of Biscayne Bay. The Heat are trying to sell Odom on a five-year $34 million contract, at the mid-level exception, and a league executive with knowledge of the talks says Miami has also hatched a three-way proposal with the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies to secure Boozer.

The essentials of a possible deal would include Miami sending forward Udonis Haslem and Dorrell Wright to Utah. Because Memphis under the cap, Utah could move Wright’s $2.8million salary to the Grizzlies and save itself approximately $5.6million with salary and luxury-tax payments. Memphis could probably get cash and picks for its trouble. The Heat would have to then send one more small contract to make the math and salary exchange work.

Miami would pay Boozer his $12.7million salary this season and own his Bird rights to sign him to an extension next summer.

The deal isn’t considered imminent, but the Jazz are working hard to find a suitable trade forn Boozer. Utah is determined to match the Portland Trailblazers’ $32million offer sheet for restricted free agent Paul Milsap . Utah has until the end of the week to match or lose the young power forward to the Blazers. Most league executives believe they’ll match the offer , regardless whether they’ve moved Boozer.

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Financial expediency has to be the norm , given the state of play. And one has to consider that the NBA for all of its profound success in the marketing of its produt as a global brand. Even they now realize that budgetary belts need to be tightened. The franchises themselves can’t ever envisaged that this economic crisis would take such a toll on their patron, the fans. So much whatever gesture in terms of an altruistic nature may well be the only way that they can keep those interested in supporting their teams.

Bound For Glory But There Are Those Who Are Unable To Bask In The Limelight

There’ve been great players within the NBA. And there have been players that’ve proven to be woefully inept . Despite that having played in college, they ended up failing to live up to expectation. And yet a few players in college having had a successful collegiate career , their professional career has either been raised to superstar status or beyond. Or they ended up falling into an abyss , never to be heard from again.

Having only followed the game from afar until I came to live here in the United States some seventeen years ago. My first real encounter with the game of basketball was part of a phys. ed class in high school. Well bearing in mind that basketball to an English guy was about as welcoming being poked in the eye. For many of us it was primarily either soccer, rugby or cricket. And though the sport of boxing was my first love . I slowly found myself then gravitating towards the martial arts. In particular the art form of karate.

Karl Malone and John Stockton the indomiatable duo of the Utah Jazz. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo ..........

And the years that followed as I immersed myself in the sport , becoming proficient enough to earn a Black Belt 3rd degree . I then taught unarmed combat whilst serving in the military for a number of years. Well enough about that as it’s not the focal point of this article.

As I alluded to earlier, basketball wasn’t a sport that I immediately fell in love with. But having immersed myself in the nuances of the game. And having several of my new found American friends explain many of the finer points to me. I found that this was actually a sport that I really liked. So much so that when asked to play either at the local Bally’s gym or at a park. I was up for the task. Well initially at least I thought I was ! You really don’t know the physical demands of a sport until you’ve tried the first time and then note the demands of the physical exertion required. It is either you play the game or the demands of the game takes its toll and plays you.

The unthinkable would happen as the Los Angeles Lakers would succumb to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. That was the team that many believed had been in terms of sheer frontline talent alone would be deemed unbeatable. Alongside Malone on the team were Gary Payton, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. The fashion in which the team was defeated would augur the retirement of Malone not long afterwards. picture appears courtesy afp/ photo/ Marshall Hines .........

I’ve always liked the play of former Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone. A physically gifted specimen and a player who would give as good as he’d get. Malone was the type of player you had to respect because of those physical attributes. And above all his desire to win. His heyday and rightfully so , were the years spent playing in Utah. Where he formed an offensive tandem alongside point guard John Stockton . But it’d also be remiss in neglecting the contributions of Jeff Hornacek . The three as teammates led the Jazz under the coaching of Jerry Sloan to some of their most important success over the years.

Hornacek (14) and teammate Stockon (12) speak with Jerry Sloan on the sidelines during an NBA game . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Andrew D Bernstein ..............

They came close but were it not for the Jordan years the success of the Jazz may well have been much greater. But then again during those years Jordan and the Chicago Bulls reigned supreme over the entire NBA. The fate meted out to the Jazz in the NBA Finals of 1997 and ’98 were very reminiscent of the four other times that the Bulls raised the championship trophy. Six times in all during the nineties. So if anything for Jazz there was absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

And for Malone those heartfelt years may well have been too much to bear. As prolific as he was , it was the denial of winning a championship that made his thirst for that semblance of success even more voracious. Those years that Malone may have felt were a failure was rewarded with the undying devotion shown to he and his teammates. In particular the friendship and camaraderie he shared with Stockton. It was reciprocated by the duo towards the fans who showed their appreciation as to what the fans ultimately meant to them and their careers.

Malone had that unquenchable thirst to succeed. And for him it meant the winning of an NBA championship and the adjoining ring that went with that, in signifying the event. And given the chance to join the Los Angeles Lakers , alongside such venerable stars as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Gary Payton. The notion was that this team would be deemed unbeatable and a foregone conclusion to win the NBA title in 2004. And given the fact that they also had Phil Jackson at the helm as the team’s coach. If only all dramas would follow the given script at the time.

Somehow, some way, someone had forgotten to mention that to the Detroit Pistons. The Lakers’ opponents in those eagerly awaited NBA Finals(2004). And one ought to bear in mind also that here we had a quartet of stars on this Lakers’ team that were sure fire certainties to become members of the Hall of Fame. What took place in that much heralded series ought to remind us that one ought to never underestimate the underdog. The Pistons summarily destroyed the Lakers (4-1) with an effortless display of team basketball. They showed cohesion, whereas the Lakers showed complacency and a complete lack of respect for their opponent. The disappointment was there for all see not only on the faces of the fans . But also on the Lakers’ players and in particular that of Karl Malone’s. To say he wasn’t completely disappointed would be an understatement in the very least.

Malone in the second row far right, as a member of the Original Dream Team. The US men's basketball team for the Olympic games of Barcelona in 1992, has been often described as the greatest assembly of talent put together on a basketball court for international competition. The team was coached by the legendary Chucy Daly. picture appears courtesy of afp/photo/ Anthony Rassmussen ..............

For all of the accomplishments of Malone as a player . Having won a League MVP award , an Olympic gold medal as part of the Original Dream Team in Barcelona in 1992 . The one missing adornment for the player was that of an NBA ring. He’s still viewed as perhaps the greatest player to ever play the position of power forward in the NBA . He has the respect of his peers and the fans alike. And even if at times he’s alienated some with his off the cuff remarks. There’s no denying that Karl ‘Anthony’ Malone has the admiration of the NBA fans across the globe who happen to know something about the game.

Karl Malone’s career stats :

Career points total: 36,928 Assists: 5,238 Rebounds:14,968
League MVP: 1997, 1999 All Star: 13 times All NBA First Team Selection: 11 times All NBA Second Team Selection: 2 times All NBA Third Team: 1 time selection All Defensive First Team: 3 times All Defensive Second Team: 1 selection
NBA All Rookie Team: selection in 1988
Named as one of the 50 Greatest Players of Alltime in The NBA .

Future Analysis: Los Angeles Lakers

Have you ever asked yourself, “What will happen to the Lakers once Kobe retires?” or, “Who will be the next coach once Phil Jackson retires?“.

In this article I will try my best to answer those questions, as well as others in determining what will become of the defending champions in the future.  First off, I will start with discussing who will be the Lakers next head coach once Phil Jackson retires, because that is most likely the next thing to happen.

Phil Jackson was originally rumored to be retiring this offseason due to health issues, but after getting the “ok” from his doctor he will be returning to coach the Lakers full time next season.  When he finally does retire though, it is expected that Kurt Rambis will take over as the head coach.  Though Rambis has been an assistant with the Lakers for a couple of seasons, I believe that there may be better choices for the Lakers when it’s time to get a new coach.  Byron Scott is the top choice by many Lakers fans to be the new head coach.  Not only is he a former Lakers player, but he was also the coach of the year two seasons ago.  He is an excellent offensive and defensive coach, and could be a perfect fit for the Lakers.  Kurt Rambis is a good coach and deserves the job, but I think that if Byron Scott or, possibly, Nate McMillan is available then they should pursue them.

With the aging and retirement of some of the players on the team over the next few seasons, the Lakers will need to transition into a team led by Andrew Bynum and other young players.  After the Lakers swapped Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest through free agency, they are less prepared for the future.  The Lakers are gradually becoming a veteran team led by Ron Artest (29), Kobe Bryant (30), Pau Gasol (28), and Lamar Odom (29).  Although they have young players in Jordan Farmar, Andrew Bynum, Josh Powell, and Sasha Vujacic, Farmar and Vujacic are extremely inconsistent and are expected to be traded at some point, while Bynum has two surgically repaired knees that might cause problesm in the future, but he might be just fine, and Josh Powell isn’t a starting caliber player.  If Andrew Bynum is able to return to his star form and avoids getting injured, then the Lakers will have a nice building block for the future.  Kobe Bryant will be finishing his career with L.A., so the Lakers will have a lot of time to start rebuilding even when he is still in the NBA.  And since it is the Lakers, they will have no problem getting marque players through free agency.  Since Artest, Gasol, Bryant, and Odom will all be retiring within a 3-year span of each other, the Lakers will need to be prepared to rebuild quickly.  And there is a possibility that some of them will be on a different team before they retire.

Now for the Post-Kobe Lakers era.  The Post-Kobe Era will be highlighted by Andrew Bynum and another star player that we don’t know about yet.  It is a guarantee that the Lakers will be able to get another star guard the same offseason that Kobe Bryant retires, whether it be through free agency or a trade.  If Andrew Bynum is able to develop into a 20/10 guy who plays at least 70 games a season, then the Lakers will be in good shape.  There are rumors that OJ Mayo wants to be a Laker, so when he is a free agent after Kobe Bryant retires, there is a good chance that he would come to the Lakers.  The Lakers will also be stocking up on players in the next few years through the draft and through getting hidden gems in trades (like the Ariza trade).

So, no matter what happens in the future, you can always expect the Lakers to be a good team led by superstars.

Bryant Staying With The Lakers

Was there ever any doubt that Kobe Bryant would stay with the Los Angeles Lakers? The Lakers are the team with which he has won four NBA championships. It’s where he has played his entire career and built his incredible resume and legacy. Plus, when asked about whether he would be leaving any time soon at the Lakers championship parade, he said he wasn’t leaving.

Despite all of those indications, some still believed that Bryant would exercise the early termination option in his contract and seek big money from the Lakers or another team. Instead, Bryant has decided not to opt out, but to try and work on an extension with the team at a later date. By not opting out, Bryant is giving the Lakers what he hopes to be the ability to resign Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, both of whom are unrestricted free agents. Odom and Ariza were key contributors on the Lakers last season, and they should receive big contracts. Both have indicated that they want to remain with the Lakers, with Odom even going so far as to say that he is willing to take a paycut in order to remain in L.A. Because of Bryant’s decision not to opt out, the Lakers should have more money to devote to the pair. More from ESPN.com:

Kobe Bryant has chosen not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Team spokesman John Black on Wednesday confirmed Bryant’s decision. The MVP of the NBA Finals had until Tuesday to become an unrestricted free agent.

Now the Lakers and Bryant’s agent will negotiate a contract extension. He has spent his entire 13-year career with the team, winning four NBA championships.

On June 19, Bryant said, “I’m not going anywhere. I know I ain’t going nowhere, so it’s just a waste of our breaths just talking about it.”

Bryant is scheduled to make $23 million next season.

The Los Angeles Times reported late Tuesday that Bryant will sign a three-year extension with the Lakers sometime this month. Bryant could make $47.8 million over the next two years and another $86 million to $91 million with the extension, with the difference depending on the future salary cap, the newspaper reported.

Jackson May Coach Home Games Only

Well, this is interesting. Lakers head coach Phil Jackson is currently in the process of deciding whether or not he will come back to coach. His health is ultimately going to be the deciding factor, but he is considering — how should we say –different options. One is coaching only the home games, and leaving most of the road games to assistant coach Kurt Rambis. Rambis has been with Jackson for years, and he wouldn’t do anything Phil wouldn’t do. In Portland earlier this year, Jackson did not make the trip and Rambis coached the team. Though the Lakers lost, things went smoothly and the team seemed to respond to Rambis nicely. Plus, Kobe has taken on more of a coaching role over the past season, which would benefit Rambis, because the players respond to Kobe, and he would make sure they respond to Rambis. It would be a tough adjustment for the players, but the Lakers are a championship team that should be able to adjust the situation, if it happens. ESPN.com:

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said in a radio interview Tuesday that he will make a firm decision about returning to the bench next season by “early July” and that he will also explore the possibility of letting Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis coach more road games in Jackson’s place.

In the interview with ESPN Radio in Los Angeles (710 AM), Jackson insisted that health concerns would be the only reason that prevented him from completing the final season of his current coaching contract.

He also revealed that the concept of Rambis coaching the team regularly on the road — theoretically sparing Jackson, who turns 64 in September, from the rigors of travel — has already been discussed internally.

The Lakers completed a test run of the concept in April when Jackson, having had both of his hips replaced in recent years, skipped a one-game trip to Portland on the second night of back-to-back games shortly after the team had finished a grueling seven-game trip. With Rambis in charge, L.A. suffered a 106-98 loss to the Blazers.

“Yeah, we’ve toyed around with that idea actually,” Jackson told ESPN Radio hosts John Ireland and Mychal Thompson. “I guess it’s not that revolutionary. We talked a little bit about it, and you know I was actually kind of given the green light to actually try this out and when the time came.”

“I think the idea has some merit to it,” Jackson went on. “[But] I don’t want to lose control of the team. And I think that’s the one thing that you find out your team needs. I don’t mean control, like control, but like being in the trenches with them, i.e., when things get tough or something happens, you’re there with them. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this idea and it’s certainly not going to be the last. And I’m going to discuss it a little with [Lakers general manager] Mitch [Kupchak], that same idea.”