NBA veteran Raja Bell could have signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and play alongside long-time nemesis Kobe Bryant. Who could ever forget that Bell clothesline defense on Kobe in 2006? Bryant back then even said he had “bigger fish to fry than Raja Bell”. Bell is recognized as a tough defender in the perimeter, one that would give Kobe a hard time all game.
Ironically, Kobe has been recently vocal about wanting Bell to join him and the LA Lakers. The Lakers could offer what is left of their mid-level exception at roughly $1.8 million. The 34-year old Bell chose to sign with the Utah Jazz for a bigger payday for three years worth about $10 million.
He probably figured it would make more sense to earn more with not much of a legacy through the course of his basketball career. That ‘clothesline’ incident was not how you should build a reputation. Don’t get me wrong. Bell is a tough defender and can contribute with shots from beyond the arc. I just felt he just used the Lakers to get some leverage in striking a bigger deal. Now this makes good business sense.
Ironically, Kobe has been recently vocal about wanting Bell to join him and the LA Lakers. The Lakers could offer what is left of their mid-level exception at roughly $1.8 million. The 34-year old Bell chose to sign with the Utah Jazz for a bigger payday for three years worth about $10 million.
He probably figured it would make more sense to earn more with not much of a legacy through the course of his basketball career. That ‘clothesline’ incident was not how you should build a reputation. Don’t get me wrong. Bell is a tough defender and can contribute with shots from beyond the arc. I just felt he just used the Lakers to get some leverage in striking a bigger deal. Now this makes good business sense.
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