Incoming free-agent point guard Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns joined the list of top-flight NBA players who rebutted the claim of ESPN writer Henry Abbot that Kobe Bryant's existence is driving away big name free-agents, adding that he's never intimated to team up with the Black Mamba.
Dragic, who could opt out from the final year of his contract next summer, made it known to everybody that he won't be scared by Bryant's overwhelming presence, if he's given the chance to team up with the former NBA MVP.
"I'm never intimidated. I don't believe that is the case," Dragic said in an interview with Newsday reporter Mike Gavin.
Dragic's comment might be just a simple remainder of the point guard's character, but for Lakers fans, his remarks are being interpreted differently, especial with the Slovenian potentially become one of the playmakers available for next summer's free-agency shopping.
After breaking out as the Most Improved Player of the Year last season, Dragic's number plummeted slightly primary because he's sharing minute with Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas in the Suns backcourt. Nonetheless, averaging 16.0 points, 4.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game is still impressive for a playmaker.
According to multiple sources, the Houston Rockets have been eager to get their hands on Dragic, who played there for one-and-half season before returning to Phoenix on a four-year, $27M deal.
Several NBA insiders believe the Rockets' recent splash on the trading front (Acquiring Corey Brewer from Minnesota and Alexy Shaved from the Philadelphia 76ers) are made to put them in position for a bigger trade for Dragic by February 19 trade deadline.
Still, Dragic has expressed his desire to opt out from the final year of his deal that pays him worth $7.5M, and test his true value on the market, which reportedly worth as much as $15M per season, according to several analysts.
The Lakers, armed with roughly $35M salary cap space next summer, are one of the teams mentioned to make a run for Dragic or other up-and-coming point guards such as Brandon Marshall of the Milwaukee Bucks and Reggie Jackson of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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