Kobe Bryant news: 'Pretty damn confident' he can play at 'high level' 3 more years

Kobe Bryant has reiterated that he is "pretty damn confident" he can play "at a high level" for three more years in an interview with Los Angeles Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell. There have been no setbacks reported in his recovery, and he recently posted a photo of himself shooting free throws at the Lakers' training facility.

Bryant tore his Achilles on April 12 in a game against the Golden State Warriors. He finished his 2012-2013 campaign averaging 27.3 points on 57 percent true shooting percentage along with six assists per game.

Bryant has also made it clear that he wants "two more" chances at an NBA championship. All indications point to Bryant playing beyond his expiring $30 million contract at the end of the 2013-2014 NBA season. The Lakers have only Steve Nash's $9.7 million on the books beyond 2013-2014, and bringing Bryant back could complicate Lakers cap situation. Ultimately, it depends on the contract figures the two sides could agree to. There have no been reports of any discussions between the Lakers and Bryant regarding a future contract.

The Lakers meet with Dwight Howard on Tuesday and Bryant will be a part of L.A.'s group making their final pitch to keep the superstar big man in purple and gold. Bryant's future with the team is likely to be a key point of discussion for Howard.

- Drew

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