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Lakers' Buss doesn't regret giving Kobe Bryant $48.5M extension in 2013

REUTERS

As coveted as 17-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant is to the Los Angeles Lakers organization, signing the now 37-year-old to a colossal two-year, $48.5 million extension in 2013 was always going to be met with skepticism.

Bryant has played a grand total of 41 games the past two seasons, dealing with major injuries to his right shoulder, knees, feet, and Achilles tendon.

It was a gamble on the part of the franchise to invest that much in an ageing, aching star, but executive vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss told the Los Angeles Times' Eric Pincus that he doesn't regret the signing in the slightest.

"The man has done so much for the Lakers and the fans of the Laker nation, he deserves the money," Buss said. "I don't understand anybody trying to break down what I did for him. Let's break down what he did for us, then say, what is he worth? To me, he's worth that."

Bryant's numbers in 2014-15 for the 35 games he was healthy enough to suit up for were certainly All-Star worthy. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, although his 37.3 field goal percentage was the lowest of his storied career.

As Buss indicates, Bryant's pricey extension was more or less a thank you for all he's given the Lakers since entering the league in 1996. The team has won five NBA titles with "The Black Mamba" at the forefront, riding their future Hall of Famer to 11 seasons of 50 wins or more.

While he hasn't fully committed to the idea of retirement, the 2015-16 campaign could very well end up being the "Kobe Bryant Farewell Tour" in the NBA. It could also be one of Buss's last years at the helm, as he recently affirmed comments he made back in 2013-14 that he would step down if the Lakers didn't become a contender in three-to-four years.

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