Kobe Won't Play in Europe Before 2016

Yesterday the internets were abuzz with rumors of Olympiacos' impending offer of $83million, a villa on the Mediterranean and a yacht for three years of service in the Greek domestic and Euroleague. Kobe is locked in to the 2008/9 season with LA, with an option for next season. His first chance to test free agent waters will be at the end of this season. If he goes to Athens for '09/10 the Lakers would retain rights if Kobe came back to the Association. Kobe turned 30 during the Olympics (when I turned 30 I was painting an office in Philadelphia's Northwestern suburbs). But, Kobe Bryant will not play for a European before 2014. It won't happen. He will continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers for at least two more seasons. At the end of that run, he'll be 32 and looking for one last big deal. A six year deal that will keep some lucky team maxed out on the salary cap until 2016.