Kobe Bryant is set to make more than $30 million this upcoming season, the final year of a three-year, $83.5 million deal he signed before the 2011-2012 season. Kobe has hinted in the past that he would retire after this deal expired, but in an interview with Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell, Bryant said his injury has inspired him to play for longer.
I think the (Achilles) injury has something to do with it. It really increased the drive. And probably San Antonio getting so close to winning No. 5, that hurt me a little bit too. I want to make sure I push the ring count out a little further.
(The Spurs showed) what us old guys can do if you play together, if you play with one mind and one purpose you can accomplish great things. It was inspirational for me and hopefully inspirational for the city of Los Angeles and this organization of what we can do, how this tide can change fairly quickly and we’ll be looking at a parade.
Motivated Kobe = scary Kobe.