Kobe Bryant reportedly wants to return next season after suffering a torn rotator cuff. On Thursday, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak echoed those sentiments.
"I don't think he's retiring," Kupchak said, via ESPN. "He said he's looking forward to training camp. That's what we expect."
Bryant, 37, underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday and is expected to need nine months to recover. This is the third consecutive year Bryant’s season has been cut short by injury.
When asked what the team could do to help Bryant in a potential 20th NBA season, Kupchak said the talent on the roster needs to improve, which will ultimately help Bryant deal with the nightly grind.
"As you get older and you experience injuries in this league — and he's played what will be 20 years — it's difficult to play when you're going to lose three or four games or five games,” Kupchak said. "When you're winning games, it's a lot easier to get ready to play and play through aches and pains. To me, a big part of Kobe's contribution next year is if we can improve this team during the offseason."
Bryant is owed $25 million next season, a salary Kupchak openly defends.
"We have no regrets at all," Kupchak said. "He is worth every penny of it."