How did kobe get such a big contract extension?

[UntilTheNDofTimE]

Bryant, who earns $23 million this season and $24.8 million next season, will get $25.244 million for the 2011-12 season, $27.849 million 2012-13 and $30.453 million in the 2013-14 season when he turns 35.

This was during the 09-10 season but i always thought the max was around 22M. He signed a 3 year extension for 83 million. Seems insane. Did the old CBA allow 27M per year salary?

[PS3]

Uhmm. Cause he's Kobe Bryant?

[doylfish]

Shaq got almost $28 mil one season

[thetrinity]

this was allowed under the previous CBA. overreaction to 2 straight titles. hell b 35 and making 30 mil. hes gonna retire after the contract ends supposedly, i wonder why.

[darkhat]

Cause he's regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. He's the only guy Jordan even says should be compared to him.

[hels]

You know how much Kobe brings the Lakers? He's a cashcow that brings millions in revenue to the team.

[TheMoneyShot]

Such a major ego Kobe has... you think he'll ever play for under 15 million a year after his contract is up? Hell no.

[greenhippo]

So the money can be spent on good players to help him win that last ring? Hell naaaaaaaw, guy only has 200M+ he can't be playing for a mear $10M a year, straight embarrassing.

[doylfish]

Such a major ego Kobe has... you think he'll ever play for under 15 million a year after his contract is up? Hell no.

Nope. Look at Shaq...he had how many straight years of 20mil or higher salaries and then his last season with the celts goes for vet minimum at like 1.5mil...you'll never see Kobe do that

[Br0nxer]

MJ made 40 million i believe last year with bulls

contract max's are grandfathered in if you were making big money before the new max agreements