Kobe Bryant Ensures He Will Play Next Season

Even though Kobe Bryant ‘s contract doesn’t expire until the end of the 2015-2016 season, there’s been some skepticism about his future given the Los Angeles Lakers struggles and unlikeliness that they will become competitive any time soon.

Could the Black Mamba actually retire and end his 19-year tenure with the Lakers even though he’s still owed $25 million?

Doubtful.

And following a 111-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets, Bryant shot down the notion immediately in an interview with Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, indicating that he’s still very interested in playing next year.

"Per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News: Is it very difficult right now to play? Yeah. Am I looking forward to playing next year? Yes."

This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, since Bryant will earn big bucks and get a chance to chase the NBA’s All-Time Points record (currently held by Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) if he remains with the Lakers during the 2015-2016 season.

There’s no question the team’s shortcomings have frustrated Bryant, as they currently rank near the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of 10-22, but he’s never been the type to quit or run away from a dire situation.

Barring a career-ending injury or alien abduction, it’s safe to say we will get at least one more season of Bryant in Los Angeles.