Renz
An Army of One
Bryant reportedly wants to stay in L.A.
FOXSports.com
The Phoenix Suns just might offer Kobe Bryant a huge contract. But Bryant really wants to stay in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times.
And that seems to leave two teams: the beleaguered Lakers, or the, (gasp!), Clippers.
Bryant has reportedly narrowed his focus to include only the Los Angeles teams and has turned his attention away from Phoenix, and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Clippers are clearing salary cap space for a maximum-level contract, and it's been something they've worked on since last fall, when they learned Bryant could be available as a free agent.
And the Clippers, like several teams, are anxious to begin speaking to Bryant's representatives.
Teams can only speak to players until July 14, when the free-agent signing period begins.
"We'll leave no stone unturned," Clippers GM Elgin Baylor said last week. "I'll put it that way."
The Lakers, on the other hand, have said they would offer a maximum deal worth $136 million over seven seasons.
As for the Clippers, it remains to be seen exactly what is offered to Bryant. And it becomes a little more interesting when you consider guard Quentin Richardson is also a free agent.
Richardson has reportedly said he is almost certain to visit the Denver Nuggets. And if the Nuggets offer Richardson a contract, the Clippers would have 15 days to match.
During that time, Clippers officials say they expect to know if Bryant is interested in changing L.A. uniforms. If he is, it appears the Clippers would be willing to let Richardson sign elsewhere so as to make room for the addition of Bryant.
FOXSports.com
The Phoenix Suns just might offer Kobe Bryant a huge contract. But Bryant really wants to stay in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times.
And that seems to leave two teams: the beleaguered Lakers, or the, (gasp!), Clippers.
Bryant has reportedly narrowed his focus to include only the Los Angeles teams and has turned his attention away from Phoenix, and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Clippers are clearing salary cap space for a maximum-level contract, and it's been something they've worked on since last fall, when they learned Bryant could be available as a free agent.
And the Clippers, like several teams, are anxious to begin speaking to Bryant's representatives.
Teams can only speak to players until July 14, when the free-agent signing period begins.
"We'll leave no stone unturned," Clippers GM Elgin Baylor said last week. "I'll put it that way."
The Lakers, on the other hand, have said they would offer a maximum deal worth $136 million over seven seasons.
As for the Clippers, it remains to be seen exactly what is offered to Bryant. And it becomes a little more interesting when you consider guard Quentin Richardson is also a free agent.
Richardson has reportedly said he is almost certain to visit the Denver Nuggets. And if the Nuggets offer Richardson a contract, the Clippers would have 15 days to match.
During that time, Clippers officials say they expect to know if Bryant is interested in changing L.A. uniforms. If he is, it appears the Clippers would be willing to let Richardson sign elsewhere so as to make room for the addition of Bryant.
