January 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott speaks with point guard Kyrie Irving (2) and Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant signed a 2 year extension worth 48.5 million dollars, and it has many saying he took too much money. Like it or not, he took it, and the Lakers still have some money to spend in free agency.

When it comes to Bryant, his career will end in three years, and we will say goodbye to a legend after 20 years in the NBA. He is currently sitting at five championships–one shy of Michael Jordan. Bryant will need the help of other stars in the league to reach the Finals again, and many don’t see a way for him.

There will be some interesting players avaliable in the next two off-seasons, and it will be up to the Lakers to try and entice them. Dwight Howard wanted no part of Los Angeles, and he cited Bryant as a reason why he left. Players will have to know that playing with Kobe is part of playing for the Lakers for the next few years.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Kobe talked about how he will be a recruiter during the process. He sounds confident, but we will see how things turn out over time. He also talks about his new shoe, the Kobe 9, and who he would have in his all-time starting five. The interview was on Wednesday, which means the news of his return hadn’t broken yet. We will see if Kobe can channel his inner college coach and recruit some good players.