Mark Cuban and Kobe Bryant share a sweaty hug (MCT via Getty Images).
It's now a well-known fact that the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement restricts the ability of franchises to employ more than two very high-paid players at once. For all but a few teams, the future will likely not involve the kind of three-star super-teams that became popular when LeBron James chose the Miami Heat in 2010.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was one of the first owners to realize this new reality, and in the compressed, post-lockout offseason of 2011 he opted not to overpay to reassemble the team that won the NBA title the previous June. Cuban's plan backfired when he couldn't sign a second, younger superstar to pair with Dirk Nowitzki, but his logic was sound. With this new CBA, an owner better be sure a long-term contract is worth it.
As a knowledgeable observer of NBA finances, Cuban has recognized the considerable payroll of the Los Angeles Lakers, now surging up the West standings at 26-29. With three players making $19 million or more per season and several others making considerable sums, the Lakers will have important decisions to make if they want to avoid a sizable luxury tax hit.
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So, ever the concerned owner, Cuban has suggested that the Lakers consider using the NBA's amnesty clause on Kobe Bryant. From Tim McMahon for ESPNDallas.com (via SLAM):
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