Can Kobe Bryant Live Up to Massive Contract Extension?

In what was an imperative move for the future of the franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers locked up Kobe Bryant with a two-year contract extension. According to ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne, the deal is worth $48.5 million, making Bryant the league's highest-paid player over the next two seasons.

It was a bold move, to say the least, given the amount of the contract and the uncertainty surrounding Bryant's return from a torn Achilles tendon. Both issues can be put to rest though, as Bryant will return and silence the criticism concerning his extension. 

A review of past players with a similar injury makes Bryant's return optimistic. The Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina reported past stars like Dominique Wilkins were all able to return to form after a torn Achilles tendon.

Wilkins was the only true player to succeed thereafter, however, as some like Isiah Thomas retired. The latter had already decided to retire, with the injury forcing him to hang 'em up earlier than expected.

Per the Los Angeles Daily News: "You obviously look at the situations that were successful and try to draw from that,” Bryant said. “I try to ignore the ones that weren't successful just to stay positive."

The hype surrounding his contract extension isn't likely to even enter his thought process, as Bryant has made a name for himself as a no-nonsense competitor. He won't let anything disrupt his return to the court and never has throughout his time with the Lakers.

Bryant has also battled countless injuries over his career, ranging from broken fingers on his shooting hand to ankle sprains. This Achilles tendon tear is only another to add to this list, despite its severity. 

Bryant is taking the proper precautions for his return, not rushing back for the sake of proving he can still ball. He's still "probably weeks" away from walking out on the Staples Center hardwood, but the tried and tested method of patience is a key path for Bryant to walk (or hobble, depending on his health).

It suffices to say when that day comes, Bryant will indeed live up to his extension. It isn't a relatively realistic unit of measurement, but "He's the Black Mamba" is a format that many recognize in relation to his toughness to battle through hardships as reason to believe he'll be fine.

Sadly, that alone is not enough to be forward-thinking regarding Bryant's return. The process he's taking, however, remains the biggest point of optimism.

He's been through conditioning drills and shooting drills that have increased gradually in recent weeks. Bryant confirmed what he's been able to accomplish, saying in an interview with NBA TV, "The fadeaway still works, the ballhandling, being able to post. Those are things that I can do right now."

Both are key components to Bryant's success as a scorer, as evidenced from his play last year before the untimely injury.

He put up 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and six assists for L.A. last season, shooting his highest percentage since the 2008-09 season. Bryant can average anything close to that and will be deserving of his extension. 

Bryant has become less athletic over the course of his career, but he has developed other areas of his game. His post-up game, arguably his most potent offensive weapon, is an indication of this. Bryant is also a solid mid-range shooter, shooting 42.2 percent according to NBA.com. Bryant can also run the Lakers offense as seen by his assist numbers from last season, where he dropped 7.5 dimes to close the season in Steve Nash's absence.

Bryant doesn't need to have the same explosiveness or speed as in seasons past, but a calculated approach to each game over the next few years will ensure he remains a top-10 player. 

Wilkins returned from a torn Achilles to an All-Star level of play, averaging 23.8 points over the last five seasons of his career. He had just turned 32 years old at the time of the initial injury yet still succeeded in recovering.

Kobe might be a little ahead in terms of when Wilkins was hurt, but his perseverance and patience through this period will be key. It might not be the Bryant we've grown accustomed to over the years, but he'll return an All-Star guard worthy of his salary.

The general negativity surrounding the extension is the fact that it may handicap LA's ability to sign future players. According to HoopsWorld, Bryant, Nash and center Robert Sacre are the only players with guaranteed salary for next season, bringing the Lakers' cap to $34.1 million.

The salary cap for all teams is set at $58.6 million this season, courtesy of Larry Coon's NBA Salary Cap FAQ. LA would need to use an exception to re-sign Pau Gasol, that is if they intend to. Gasol puts a $20.2 million cap hold on the payroll, preventing the Lakers from signing another max-level star outright unless they sign-and-trade Gasol or let him walk in free agency.

Cap holds, once again courtesy of Coon's FAQ, "are "placeholders" for players the team is expected to sign in the future." LA cannot sign another star player before making a decision on Gasol, so Bryant's extension does hinder the Lakers ability to rebuild the roster somewhat.

Ultimately, Kobe is the greatest player to ever don the purple and gold. There have been many great players before him, but Bryant's consistency and dedication gives him the nod. Topping LA's record books in just about every major category doesn't hurt either.

Nor does ranking as the fourth on the NBA's career scoring list. The Lakers don't need two max players, as they already have one in tow with Bryant. The Lakers can have a bright future if they rebuild correctly, with a healthy and motivated Mamba at the helm.