Phil On Kobe: This Season 'Might Be His Last' With Lakers
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Leave it to the Zen Master to play more mind games with Laker fans.
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson told reporters Friday he doesn't believe Kobe Bryant will quit playing basketball after the upcoming NBA season, but that Bryant could be done wearing the Lakers' purple-and-gold.
According to the Wall Street Journal's Knicks beat reporter Chris Herring, Jackson, speaking at the team's media day, said "I don't think this is [Kobe's] last year. Might be his last year as a Laker."
Phil, on Kobe: "I don't think this is his last year. Might be his last year as a Laker."
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) September 25, 2015
Jackson reportedly went on to say Bryant is "going to be better than people think" and that he could see several offers to continue playing, Herring tweeted.
Phil: "I think [Kobe] is going to be better than ppl think." He says he assumes there will offers on the table 4 him to continue his career.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) September 25, 2015
The Hall of Fame coach's statements will only further fuel speculation that Bryant could end up joining Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant to form a super-team in New York.
So whether he retires or relocates to the Big Apple, it's beginning to look like Kobe Bryant's days as a Laker are numbered.