As the negotiations between owners and players continue to miss a resolution, we inch closer to the point where games could be missed. Which, by definition, means game checks will be missed. This, in theory, also marks the point where players start to sweat, then eventually crack. After all, there are plenty of dudes still on rookie-wage deals, living at the bottom end of the NBA pay scale or, in the case of the 2012 rookie class, waiting to make a dime playing basketball. A guy like Kobe Bryant won't likely feel any pinch, but an extended offseason puts the screws to those fellas' piggy banks. Unless, of course, a guy like Kobe Bryant throws them a bone.
From an interview with NBA Players Union Executive Director Billy Hunter, conducted by the L.A. Times' Lance Pugmire:
What role will NBA superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James play as this moves forward?
"They've been deeply involved in the meetings we've had. I know Kobe is intimately involved in interfacing with colleagues and sharing in a pool of revenue to help the others get through this. Kobe has volunteered to do that in the event others need, he and others are prepared to loan money if necessary."
In August, Kobe reportedly delivered a passionate speech during a players meeting about the importance of remaining unified during the lockout. While I certainly commended Kobe for making his presence felt, I also felt the message, while important, was fairly ironic coming from him. After all, Bryant has already made around $200 million in salary alone, which doesn't include what's still remaining on his deal and the oodles of cash he's earned -- and could earn even during a lockout -- in endorsements. Thus, it's easy for Kobe to preach unity. Unless he's been exceptionally irresponsible with his money, he could withstand a lockout without breaking a sweat.
A willingness to loan out some dough, however, dramatically changes my outlook. That's quite literally putting his money where his mouth is, and if enough players with similar checking accounts follow suit, that could make a difference. Perhaps not enough to make an erased season palatable, since Kobe and similarly wealthy players can't be counted on to play benefactor for every (relative) NBA have-not through April. But the act certainly sends a message about a fight perhaps more serious than expected.
Either way, should the lockout last long enough to press Kobe into financial action, it's quite a generous offer.
Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/22316/the-generosity-and-appeal-of-kobe-bryant
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