Kobe Bryant’s next deal: It could take a bit of time

First things first, he’s not going anywhere. I’d be shocked- I’m talking flying-hippos-Best Picture-nomination- for-Ninja Assassins-Supreme Court-appointment-for-Ron Jeremy shocked- if Kobe Bryant’s next contract wasn’t inked with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the how and when is still a little iffy, in no small part due to the labor climate taking shape in the NBA. On the other hand, the extension considered a foregone conclusion a few months ago hasn’t been signed. What gives? Salary cap guru Larry Coon, writing for the New York Times, explains: "…The real reason might be that signing an extension isn’t his best course of…