Los Angeles Lakers won’t be motivated to move Kobe Bryant

Even if the Los Angeles Lakers suffer through another poor season, can’t land free agents or pull off a trade, they likely won’t be motivated to move guard Kobe Byrant despite his bloated contract.

More from Los Angeles Lakers

Due to his bloated salary and the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles last season, many believe the team could eventually move guard Kobe Bryant (who can’t stand to lose).

Larry Coon of Basketball Insiders doesn’t believe the Lakers would be motivated to move Kobe Bryant.

"Any team other than the Knicks….maybe if the were championship contenders he’d consider it, but again, I wouldn’t call it certain.As for the Lakers, I’m not sure they’d be motivated to make a trade. The only thing a team like the Knicks would really be offering is the chance to free up more free agent cap room sooner. The Lakers will already have substantial free agent money this summer, so this would only offer them the ability to attract one more max free agent a year sooner. I don’t think they would see the cost-benefit of such a move as being in their favor."

Even if Kobe Bryant continues his decline, which he almost assuredly will, especially after another injury, he’s extremely valuable to the Lakers. They’re a team that needs to market stars because they are in Los Angeles and they have a giant television contract, meaning Kobe Bryant is likely more important to them than any other team.

A reunion with Phil Jackson in New York is interesting but he and Carmelo Anthony may be an odd fit. Plus, the Knicks can probably chas younger stars that fit better with Anthony.

Kobe Bryant averaged 13.1 points, 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.5% from the field, 18.8% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free throw line. He has averaged 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, 33.5% from three and 83.8% from the charity stripe in his career.

Even if the Los Angeles Lakers suffer through another poor season, can’t land free agents or pull off a trade, they likely won’t be motivated to move guard Kobe Byrant despite his bloated contract.

More from FanSided