As ever, Kobe is a complicated person — he’s at an age when most players are severely limited, if not retired, his scoring average still ranks near the top of the league. On top of that, his franchise icon status dictates that he’s afforded more leeway than most players, including other All-Stars. In some ways, Kobe could take his salary as a sign of respect. To put it another way, not offering him a max-level contract could be taken as a statement that they no longer respect what he’s done for the franchise.
Except Kobe’s torn Achilles tendon could significantly change the circumstances of these next few seasons. Although Bryant claims to be progressing at a rapid rate — not surprising, given his work ethic — and hopes to ramp up his conditioning in August, a full recovery from this injury within the first few months of this season would be more or less unprecedented. He may want a max deal next July, but it’s possible that there will be too many questions about his future to justify that sort of salary.
Perhaps Kobe will want one anyway for the issues of pride outlined above. However, the only thing Kobe needs more than respect may be relevance, the impression that he’s still at the top of his profession. Throughout his career, Bryant has proven incredibly resilient and capable of maintaining his impact on conversations and arguments surrounding the NBA.