Lakers executive vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss told ESPN Friday that the team has already begun talks with the star guard's representative on a potential contract extension, and he expects a deal to be completed before Bryant becomes a free agent.
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"I want to put an end to any speculation that we would allow Kobe to become a free agent," Buss told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "That's not going to happen. Kobe is a top priority for us. He's a Laker legend and always will be. I don't think we're done winning championships with him yet.
"Mitch Kupchak and Rob Pelinka (Bryant's agent) have been talking, but with him being hurt, it has slowed the process some. I don't know when it'll get done, but I have faith in Rob and Mitch to work things out."
Recovering from surgery on his left Achilles tendon, The 35-year-old veteran is entering the final year of his current contract.
No date has been set for Bryant's return. The Lakers open the regular season Oct. 29 against the Clippers.
