Lakers GM Kupchak on Kobe: 'I don't think he's retiring'

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak believes he'll have Kobe Bryant at his disposal for the 2015-16 season. 

While Kupchak's statement isn't entirely surprising, Bryant reportedly admitted recently that he was considering retiring and leaving behind $25 million on the final year of his contract. But it doesn't appear that will be the case. 

"I don't think he's retiring," Kupchak said Thursday, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN. "He said he's looking forward to training camp. That's what we expect."

Bryant is expected to need nine months to recover from shoulder surgery conducted Wednesday for a torn rotator cuff, which would put him in line to be ready for the start of next season. It's the third consecutive season of the 17-time All-Star's that's been cut short by injury. 

Rest and nagging injuries limited Bryant to 35 games, a year after he suited up in just six contests. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds while shooting a career-worst 37.3 percent from the field.

But Kupchak, who inked Bryant to a two-year, $48.5-million contract extension in 2013, has no remorse about the big money he threw the aging star's way. 

"We have no regrets at all," Kupchak said. "He is worth every penny of it."