Mavs owner Mark Cuban tells Lakers to waive Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles, CA, United States (4E Sports) – The Los Angeles Lakers called Mark Cuban’s advice to amnesty Kobe Bryant inappropriate but will not file a formal complaint to the NBA.

However, the league could choose to fine the Mavs’ owner.

Cuban made the comment during an appearance on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM’s “Ben and Skin Show”.

“If you look at their payroll, even if Dwight (Howard) comes back, you’ve got to ask the question: Should they amnesty Kobe?” Cuban said.

If the Lakers waive Bryant, they would not have to pay luxury taxes on his salary, but would still have to pay his salary minus the amount the claiming team pays him.

Bryant will earn a league-high $30.45 million salary next season, the last year of his contract.

The Lakers’ payroll is slightly more than $100 million and will remain the same next season if Howard re-signs.

Next season is the Lakers’ last chance to amnesty a player, and Bryant is one of four players the Lakers can do it to, along with Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and Steve Blake.

This is the last season of a dollar-for-dollar penalty for teams over the luxury tax limit ($70.307 million this season).

Beginning next season, the luxury tax starts at $1.50 per dollar and escalates for every $5 million a team is over.

---

---