LA's Kobe Bryant gets set to be free agent
NEW YORK - Kobe Bryant has decided to become a free agent after the next National Basketball Association (NBA) season and might leave the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported here Thursday (early Friday in Manila).
Bryant, the talented playmaker who combined with center Shaquille O'Neal to lead the Lakers to three NBA titles in a row, reportedly said he wants to be a free agent for the first time since age 17.
The report said Bryant would decide his future on three issues -- how well O'Neal is playing, what moves the Lakers have made to improve and the medical status of coach Phil Jackson.
Jackson said he planned to be back next season despite heart problems during the playoffs. He also wondered about Bryant announcing his decision so far ahead of time.
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