The Los Angeles Lakers announced today that they have signed a three-year contract extension with Black Mamba. This deal secures Kobe as a Laker through the 2012-14 season.
“We are extremely pleased that we were able to reach an agreement and come to terms on the extension at this time,” said Lakers general manger Mitch Kupchak. “Kobe has been a cornerstone of the Lakers for well over a decade, helping to lead us to four NBA championships and in the process developing into one of the greatest players in basketball history.”
“Two of our main goals heading into this season were to sign Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol to contract extensions,” continued Kupchak. “With the signing of Pau earlier this season and the signing of Kobe today, we were able to accomplish those goals, helping to keep the core of this team intact for the foreseeable future and in turn help to ensure the franchise’s continued success over the years to come.”
In Bryant’s 13 seasons with the Lakers, he has helped the Lakers win four NBA titles and has been a 12-time All-Star. He was also voted MVP in 2008 in the league and aided the U.S. in winning the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics.
Bryant has helped the Lakers win four NBA titles, including last season. This season alone, he past Jerry West in points to become the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer. Bryant is currently the youngest player in NBA history to score 25,000 points.
In 70 games this season, Bryant is averaging 27.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 38.8 minutes.
