Kobe Bryant is entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. This early, many are wondering what lies ahead for the Black Mamba.

Reports coming out in previous months suggest that Bryant's future will entirely depend on him, although he has indicated that he will end his career as a Laker.

However, there are some who believe that there are ifs and buts tied up to that and it may involve money and pride.

At 38, Bryant is no longer the same dazzling player National Basketball Association (NBA) fans have seen from past years, and that alone could be something the Lakers may have to face. The reality of it all is that while Bryant is presumably entering the coming season healthy, overlooking the younger players in the roster could be a costly approach.

Why? Well, for one, much of these young turks could end up walking if the Lakers continue to lean on Bryant and deprive them of their chance to take the cudgels of being the team's new franchise player.

That list includes sophomores Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson as well as rookie D'Angelo Russell.

Right now, these guys are fine with having Bryant as a teammate. But what if they see the real Bryant who has never been known to be a good teammate as far as sharing the limelight is concerned?

The thing is the Lakers have to move on from the Bryant era. The guy has done more than enough for the team, and the Lakers need to stop living in the past. The past two years are testament to that and seeing that he could be wrapping up his career soon, it may be time for the Lakers to turn to the younger stars on the squad.

So will Bryant retire? All that would depend next year once he ends his contract. He could re-sign but the question is how much will the Lakers offer him?

Many feel that Bryant will not settle for small money and may eventually try to get a bigger one from other teams. But the word out is that at 38, no team would risk investing heavy money on Bryant if ever he does try to test free agency.

A safe forecast would be to see the Lakers offer Bryant a not-so-lucrative contract. This may eventually forced Bryant to check free agency. And if there are no takers, he could return with the Lakers.

Whatever happens, the reality of it all is that Bryant will never be free from injuries and will remain the same limelight-hogging star many see him to be. He is a great player, but once he gets hurt (hopefully not), he goes out towing the Lakers with him.

Time to move on Los Angeles!