Jim Buss open to the idea of Kobe Bryant playing beyond this season

Jim Buss, part-owner and executive vice president of basketball operations, spoke about the upcoming season, the team's draft picks, his rebuilding plan — and what could be the final season of Kobe Bryant's career.

"We're going to approach it like it is, but that doesn't mean it is," Buss said of Bryant. "I'm not going to sit there and say, 'This is it, Kobe, you're done,' because it's not my decision, it's his decision."

Bryant, with one year left on his contract, will be the highest paid player in the NBA this season at $25 million.

"The man has done so much for the Lakers and the fans of the Laker nation, he deserves the money," Buss said. "I don't understand anybody trying to break down what I did for him. Let's break down what he did for us, then say, what is he worth? To me, he's worth that."