OT: Washed up pro's need to retire (not take victory laps)

[jay-cheese]

Tonight's finally the last game of the Kobe career. Made me think how entitled some of these athletes are in getting paid huge salaries when they are clearly not capable of playing an elite level any longer. I can handle this for one season, but any more than that is risking public ridicule by the people paying their salary (the fan). Steve Nash did the same thing in LA a few years back...

Look if they want to ride the pine and be paid accordingly then fine...but to pay these oldies megabucks to watch them perform as some of the worst pro's ever (see Kobe's shooting stats this year for example) is disengenuous, offensive, and bad for their respective sport.

 

[chicolby]

Don't blame the player for maximizing their earning potential. Blame the team for agreeing to the contracts. Also, in many cases, this is part of the deal to get these guys to play for a team in their prime. The players want long-term contracts which likely requires them to be paid well past their prime.

This is called capitalism. If teams don't want to pay the long term deals for star players, likely another team will, leaving them with nothing.

Now the Kobe deal was really an odd one in my opinion, because they actually signed him for a bonus year. In that case, likely the team still had something to gain - if only at a minimum to showcase to other star players down the road that they treat their stars nothing short of first class.

To be clear, no one is in business for throwing money away. I'm sure the Lakers weighed the cost/benefit of paying him the big salary and landed there for a reason.

 

[NECoach31BB]

Lakers made their money back on the Kobe contract make no mistake.

The Down side is that the team lost a year or two of development to get back to the elite level in the West. Lots of good teams and they aren't close right now.

 

[Larry Hagman's Liver]

Don't blame the player for maximizing their earning potential. Blame the team for agreeing to the contracts. Also, in many cases, this is part of the deal to get these guys to play for a team in their prime. The players want long-term contracts which likely requires them to be paid well past their prime.

This is called capitalism. If teams don't want to pay the long term deals for star players, likely another team will, leaving them with nothing.

Now the Kobe deal was really an odd one in my opinion, because they actually signed him for a bonus year. In that case, likely the team still had something to gain - if only at a minimum to showcase to other star players down the road that they treat their stars nothing short of first class.

To be clear, no one is in business for throwing money away. I'm sure the Lakers weighed the cost/benefit of paying him the big salary and landed there for a reason.

Agreed. A substandard Kobe still puts butts in the seats. And the Lakers weren't going anywhere this year anyway, so why not let him go out on his own terms with a farewell tour while effectively tanking for a lottery pick. They're also paying him for two decades of elite play and his hand in bringing five titles to LA. Sure they're overpaying for his current output, but the Lakers can certainly afford that for one of their legendary players in the twilight of his career.

And this is coming from a diehard Celtics fan who's never liked Kobe.

 

[chicolby]

Agreed. A substandard Kobe still puts butts in the seats. And the Lakers weren't going anywhere this year anyway, so why not let him go out on his own terms with a farewell tour while effectively tanking for a lottery pick. They're also paying him for two decades of elite play and his hand in bringing five titles to LA. Sure they're overpaying for his current output, but the Lakers can certainly afford that for one of their legendary players in the twilight of his career.

And this is coming from a diehard Celtics fan who's never liked Kobe.

I agree with most of what you say here, but I disagree with the fact that they were paying him for his two decades of elite play. They simply don't care about back pay. They care about what this money provides them today and tomorrow. It provides them a) a sound reputation for future recruiting of super stars and b) it keeps them relevant and "butts in seats" for what would otherwise be a bottom barrel low interest team.

I don't believe many businesses reward past performance simply to be nice. There is a motive an incentive for every dollar paid. Period.

 

[jeans15]

Kobe gave them elite play before they gave him elite money.

Let it go. Allow fans to appreciate them.

 

[ridge22]

I think that is just the nature of the beast. Pike's last 3 years in the NBA were with the Bull and the Suns. Granted this was back 9-10 years ago, but in his last 3 years he made $5.4 million and played a total of 414 minutes. A little over $13,000 a minute is pretty good money if you can get that gig, and if someone is willing to pay it.

 

[jay-cheese]

Good points all around. I agree with the "take it if you can get it" mentality.

However, I don't agree that this is simply an effect of capitalism. Actually (imo) what is going on with Kobe is anti-capitalism. Capitalism doesn't like to pay for something and not get it (it's actually the opposite, it's wants to pay very little and get a lot). I understand that elite pro athlete's are paid more than deserved, and I can handle that as long as they can still perform at or close to elite level.

Is it about respecting him and his legacy? I'm sorry, but a well established pro with easily 100+ millions in the bank,multiple titles, all star appearances, etc shouldn't desire respect under this premise. That's being childish.

Again, I got no problem with a vet making decent money at the end of their career and riding the pine (vet's can provide a lot off of the court value to a team). That is NOT what Kobe did. They are paying out big-time and he hasn't produced (imo) since 2012-3. Steve Nash did the same thing. Again, I don't mind seeing one year of overpay with below average play, but 3 yrs is a bit much. His legacy is already in place and frankly I think he's looked incredibly arrogant/selfish this season by taking the money and giving crap results (he acts like he's doing us a favor by still playing....man I'm so hurt I can hardly move. Don't you see all of this treatment/pain I'm going thru just to throw up a league record low in shooting. Then don't do it is what I'd say...you have a choice).

Thank god Peyton Manning finally got the message (superbowl or not). Jeter was borderline...AROD doesn't get it and is playing past his prime this year.

We fans pay a lot of money to support these athletes. I only think it's fair that when they can't contribute at a pro level, they do us the favor and hang it up instead of making us pay more to watch them diminish their own legacy over a couple extra bucks (that aren't even needed).

 

[Harry Caray]

Kobe's farewell tour is the only reason anyone paid money to watch the Lakers this year. That team is HORRIBLE.

 

[jay-cheese]

Exactly. They'd be a lot better today if they had used that salary on adding/developing players that could actually score/defend over the last 2 seasons...instead it's been the "come watch our HoF'r throw up 10-12 three points shots, most lucky to hit the rim, and then hobble over the bench for ice packs" farewell...sorry, I just don't think that's cool (again one year is OK, more than one year is selfish imo).

 

[jteten]

This is a ridiculous stance. Virtually every pro athlete is going to play as long as they can for whatever they can. Beyond the money is an incredible love for the game. Let them have it. Other than an overwhelming hate for Kobe, I cant imagine a reason to complain about it.

I would pay to see Jordan (And I hated the guy), Magic, Bird, Iverson, Dominique, and many others play today, and so would most other sports fans. Enjoy greatness while we can.

Hell, Im going to watch the legendary Brian Wilson and his band play the 50th Anniversary of Pet Sounds, and without electronic help, he sounds like ****.....and I will enjoy every single moment of it. Legends are legends for a reason.

 

[newAD]

Can't say I'm a big fan of his, but he does have 5 rings, and did win a couple without Shaq. He's tied with quite a few others at #14 with those five rings, and 9 of the top 10 are from the 50s-60s Celtics. Take those guys out, and only Kareem, Jordan, Pippen (each with 6) and "Big Shot" Robert Horry (7) are ahead of him.

The list of great (but practically forgotten) NBA players who never won a championship is long. So a guy with 5 can do what he wants and call his own shot on ending his career, IMO.

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

 

[Larry Hagman's Liver]

I agree with most of what you say here, but I disagree with the fact that they were paying him for his two decades of elite play. They simply don't care about back pay. They care about what this money provides them today and tomorrow. It provides them a) a sound reputation for future recruiting of super stars and b) it keeps them relevant and "butts in seats" for what would otherwise be a bottom barrel low interest team.

I don't believe many businesses reward past performance simply to be nice. There is a motive an incentive for every dollar paid. Period.

I don't consider his current salary to be back pay. After compensating him to the tune $323M over 20 years (#2 all time just behind Garnett), I don't believe the Lakers feel that they have to make up for him being "underpaid" earlier in his career. But I do believe that his current salary is in large part a reward for what he delivered in the past, which has delivered significant ROI and made the Lakers franchise even more valuable than it was 20 years ago.

It wasn't the only reason as I agree with your other points, but it certainly factored in.

 

[jay-cheese]

OK. Dude is long past greatness and I do believe the Lakers have suffered in him doing it this way (is that a way to say thanks??). I 100% understand this is a contrary opinion here (altho I don't think that makes it ridiculous...just maybe isn't the popular mantra) .

For the record, I am a Kobe Bryant fan. I just lost some respect since A) He doesn't need the $$ B) He's been less than an average pro for over 2 yrs C) He could've gone on top but purposely chose not to...this season was unbearable to watch him play

Carry on..have a good day all. Appreciate the discussion.

 

[chicolby]

He was playing at a pretty high level last year - he averaged 22.3 points until he was injured. Granted, that came on pretty poor shooting, but I wouldn't say that he wasn't producing. I don't think he imagined his production would fall off quite like it did this year and even then, he averaged 17 points per game.

Again, the Lakers could have easily said "no deal, Kobe" and not paid him to play his final season as a Laker. They ran the risk of Kobe scooting off somewhere else to finish his career and leaving a mark that the Lakers organization doesn't take care of its stars, or they could pay him a one year deal (which they did) that gets them the final year but doesn't leave them on the hook for a longer term deal.

All-in, I think this was the wisest thing the Lakers could do.

 

[LooseCannon]

My favorite Kobe Bryant moment was a missed shot by him.

Big Shot Bob is the GOAT.

 

[HuskerO58]

Capitalism doesn't like to pay for something and not get it (it's actually the opposite, it's wants to pay very little and get a lot).

Capitalism is actually a system in which an industry is controlled by private owners rather than the state. Yes the goal is to reach a profit, but if they don't it's still capitalism.

Now Capitalist's try to maximize their profits by paying little as possible legally and morally (at least they're supposed to and most do).

 

[chicolby]

Capitalism is actually a system in which an industry is controlled by private owners rather than the state. Yes the goal is to reach a profit, but if they don't it's still capitalism.

Now Capitalist's try to maximize their profits by paying little as possible legally and morally (at least they're supposed to and most do).

My point in bringing up the capitalism line is because the payoff from the large investment in Kobe is not always as it seems at face value. No, they weren't looking to get a 30 point per game payout from him. They were looking for a different pay out in terms of reputation and fan interest. Just as many businesses contribute millions to charity - unfortunately for most, it is not always altruistic alone. They want to build up equity when other practices come to question "but look, we contribute to X, Y and Z" - they also know that more and more customers patronize businesses who contribute to society.

Capitalism ultimately has bottom line implications but those bottom line implications are not always immediate.

 

[HuskerO58]

@chicolby I never questioned your use of capitalism. In fact, I liked your first post where it was mentioned.