Mike D’Antoni on Kobe Bryant extension: makes sense

WASHINGTON -- Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni was happy Kobe Bryant received a two-year contract extension.

Or maybe just relieved.

“It got it out of the way before you all started talking about it,� he said Tuesday, envisioning the uncertainty that could have followed if Bryant became a free agent next July. “It’s good for Kobe, that’s for sure, and good for the team. And he should finish a Laker. All good.�

The Lakers think Bryant will return to the player he used to be.

“I have no idea, I don’t think anybody knows, but I would never doubt Kobe,� D’Antoni said. “What he’s shown, just the little stuff at our practice he had, he’s going to fine, he’s going to be normal.

“Maybe he changes his game up a little bit, maybe for the better, I don’t know. But he’s going to be very productive, whatever it is.�

There was no timetable for Bryant’s return from a torn Achilles tendon. He was not at Tuesday’s shoot-around in Washington and was not expected to play on the Lakers’ three-game trip that continues with games in Brooklyn and Detroit.

“He’s still working toward [returning] and rehabbing,� D’Antoni said.

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