Kobe Bryant Signs 3-Year, $90 million dollar Contract Extension

Kobe Bryant is already filthy rich. Now, he's filthy-stinking rich. Friday, Bryant signed a 3-year, $90 million dollar extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, keeping him with the team until the 2013 - 14 season. The deal begins after next season. Bryant is already earning $23 million this year and is expected to receive another $24 million dollars next year.

"It's very rare to have a player play his entire career in one city, so I'm very excited," said Bryant.

When he was asked if this would be his last contract (he will be 35 when this deal expires), Bryant said, "I doubt it, but it's possible."

After signing Bryant and 7-foot center Pau Gasol, the Lakers have achieved their two greatest objectives. General Manager Mitch Kupchak said that Gasol's signing was a factor in getting Bryant to re-sign with the team.

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Kobe has come a long way since the the sexual assault case 7-years ago which almost ruined his career. His brand was depleted and Bryant was terribly unpopular among NBA fans. But through persistence and good behavior, Bryant once again finds himself among the NBA's elite. In 2008, Bryant was named MVP of the NBA and in 2009, his LA Lakers won the title.

Kobe can be commended for having the discipline necessary to focus and elevate himself back to the top. Tiger Woods may want to also channel some of Bryant's focus as he overcomes his own sex scandal. One motto that is typically true in all of sport is "If you win, we forgive all sin." Kobe has learned this and Tiger Woods will figure this out as well.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book, "Black American Money." To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.