The LA Lakers were heavily criticized for their "farewell offer" to Kobe Bryant with regards to the last two years of his contract.
The Lakers gave Bryant a $48.5 million deal for his last two years. The purpose of the deal was to make Kobe the highest paid player in the league until he retires although it's clear that he is no longer one of the top 10-even top 20 players at that time.
The media and other GMs thought that the Lakers will stink since they would not have enough salary to field a competitive team. They were correct. The Lakers went on the worst two-year stretch in franchise history.
While the front office became a laughing stock, the move has gained sympathy from the sector that they were actually targeting: the players.
According to Dwyane Wade, no less than LeBron James praised the Lakers move and took shots at Pat Riley and the Miami Heat for not following the Lakers example. In an interview with ESPN, he shared the following conversation (h/t NBC)
"They was (sic) in disbelief that I didn't have any deal that I wanted. Bron always said when we was in Miami, he always said, 'D-Wade is going to be like Kobe. He's going to get that Kobe deal.' So I think their disbelief was, 'Why are you even a free agent? You shouldn't even be.'"
Without a word uttered, the question itself throws shade at the Miami Heat. The Kobe deal was more of a tribute, an organization recognizing the loyalty of their player and willing to pay him more than his current worth as a show of appreciation.
Perhaps, aside from Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade is the only active player deserving of the Kobe deal. Wade is directly responsible for all of Miami's titles and LeBron James would not even listen to them if not for his friendship with The Flash.
Dan Feldman of NBC believes that these are also Wade's sentiments, as supported by his friends (nay, "brothers"). It is understandable and while many will condemn Riley, he had to make a choice.
Will there be consequences of Riley's choice? We'll learn soon enough. When the Godfather chases free agents, just how many of them will find his offer something they can't refuse?
One safe guess-the banana boat is not heading to South Beach anytime soon.