Kobe Bryant: The Lakers Are Still My Team

Kobe Bryant is heading into his 17th NBA season, and, although he’s closer to the end of his career than he is to the beginning, the Lakers MVP promises that he’s still in control of the team. Los Angeles recently added three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard and two-time MVP Steve Nash to their roster. but Bryant insists he will still be the play caller.

Speaking to a group of reporters, Bryant said:

“I got a question earlier about whose team this is. I don’t want to get into the, ‘Well, we share …’ No, it’s my team. But I want to make sure that Dwight, when I retire, this is going to be his. I want to teach him everything I possibly know so that when I step away this organization can ride on as if I never left.”

Dwight Howard appears to have the same idea:

“I’m willing to go through that process, learn from one of the greatest to ever play the game and I think it will be great. I think learning from a guy like Kobe, I know he’s going to be tough on me but I expect that and I want him to do that. So, I’ll take all the heat that he’s going to give me because I know at the end of the day that’s going to make me a better player and a better person and it’s going to make this team better.”

Kobe Bryant’s comment appears to confirm that Dwight Howard will sign a contract extension when his one-year term is up. Analysts have long expected that a lengthy contract agreement would be reached by the Lakers and Dwight Howard. Kobe Bryant currently has two years left on his contract, and, at this time, his future plans are not known.