Fansided

Kobe Bryant Says Fans Pressure Players Into Taking Discounts

By Sam Richmond

Nov 11, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant says pressure from fans plays a factor in NBA players signing for discounted contracts.

A common theme in today’s NBA is star players taking less money in an attempt to give their team more financial flexibility to add other talent.

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We saw it this past summer in an extreme manner when Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki agreed to a three-year, $25 million pact with the team, a contract well below his market value.

However, it’s well known that Lakers star Kobe Bryant doesn’t believe players should take such discounts (as evidenced by the two-year, $48.5 million deal he signed last year).

Bryant gave an interesting answer when asked about the idea of whether players should take discounts or not Friday to ESPN, saying, among other things, that fan pressure has played a big role in why players like Nowitzki are playing for less than their worth.

"“It’s the popular thing to do,” Bryant said after the Los Angeles Lakers’ shootaround in preparation for Friday’s game against Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks. “The player takes less, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I think it’s a big coup for the owners to put players in situations where public perception puts pressure on them to take less money. Because if you don’t, then you get criticized for it.“It’s absolutely brilliant, but I’m not going for it. I know the new head of the players’ association ain’t going for it, either.”"

It’s hard to argue with Bryant, given the heat he took for the contract he signed with the Lakers last season. On the other hand, Dirk was universally praised for the move. It’s only human nature that players want to be respected by fans, so, yes, Bryant has a point when saying public pressure matters here.

While it’s probably not going to endear him to the fans that wish he took a less expensive contract, good on Bryant for speaking his mind on one of the hottest topics in the NBA right now.

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