Lakers GM says Kobe down to final season
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said Kobe Bryant has indicated the 2015-16 season will be the star’s last with the team.
“He has indicated to me that this is it,” Kupchak said Thursday on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and former league MVP, is scheduled to make $25 million in his final contract season and 20th year with the Lakers.
There has been speculation that Bryant could play beyond next season and the guard — who will turn 37 when next season begins — hasn’t ruled out that possibility.
Kupchak said of Bryant potentially playing beyond next season. “I talk to him from time to time … and he is recovering. He’s running. He’s getting movement and strength in the shoulder. We expect a full recovery, but yeah, he’s much closer to the end than to the beginning.”
Browns drop ‘Hard Knocks’
The Cleveland Browns won’t be on “Hard Knocks” this year with the team concerned that the HBO reality series would focus on Johnny Manziel.
According to ESPNCleveland.com, the Browns’ request to not be on the training camp documentary has been granted. NFL Films, which produces the series, apparently does not want an unwilling participant.
The Browns made their feelings known at the league meetings in March and one of their concerns was the attention the series would bring to Manziel as he continues on the road back from a 10-week stay in rehab.
The Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills reportedly are the likeliest subjects this year with the Browns out of the picture.
Cowboys, Scandrick agree to deal
The Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Orlando Scandrick agreed to terms on a contract extension.
According to reports, the deal goes through 2019 and Scandrick is scheduled to make a total of $20 million, including $4 million this year. The extension adds another year to his contract at a value of $9.5 million. He was scheduled to make $1.5 million in 2015 on a deal reworked in 2013.
Michael Sam signs with CFL team
A week before training camp begins for CFL teams, defensive end Michael Sam joined the Montreal Alouettes, agreeing to a one-year deal.
Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team, was previously with the St. Louis Rams, who selected him out of Missouri in the seventh round in 2014, and the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys added Sam to their practice squad when he was waived during final roster cuts.
Sam has been a free agent since the Cowboys released him from their practice squad on Oct. 21.
Cuban pitcher Ruiz seek MLB contract
Cuban right-hander Norge Ruiz defected from his native country and is pursuing a contract with a major league team.
The 21-year-old is considered one of the top pitching prospects in Cuba, MLB.com reported. Baseball America called Ruiz the best pitcher in Cuba and ranked him the No. 8 overall prospect in the country.
Baseball America noted that Ruiz has “shown mid-rotation starter potential with average to above-average stuff across the board and polished feel for pitching well beyond his years.”
Yahoo Sports reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be an early favorite to land Ruiz, who played with several teams in the Cuban National Series.
Ruiz could possibly land with a major league team during the next international signing period.