NBA FREE AGENCY Kobe Bryant opts to stay with Lakers

Kenyon Martin was traded by New Jersey to Denver.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kobe is staying with the Los Angeles Lakers and K-Mart is heading to the Denver Nuggets.
In Thursday's most noteworthy NBA news, Kobe Bryant's journey through free agency left him exactly where he started, but much richer. The guard agreed to a contract worth more than $136.4 million over seven years, spurning an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers.
"Kobe has informed us he's going to stay with the Lakers and sign a new contract," Lakers spokesman John Black said.
The Lakers will have a new look even with Bryant remaining. Shaquille O'Neal was traded to Miami the previous day for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler and a first-round draft pick. Coach Phil Jackson left the Lakers after they lost in the NBA Finals to Detroit.
Karl Malone and Derek Fisher also are free agents who have attracted interest around the league.
Bryant still faces trial on felony sexual assault charges in Eagle, Colo. He has pleaded not guilty and the trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 27. If convicted, Bryant faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to $750,000.
Martin moved
Kenyon Martin was traded by the New Jersey Nets to Denver for three first-round draft choices. Martin was prepared to sign an offer sheet with the Nuggets as a restricted free agent before the trade was finalized. Martin signed a seven-year contract, enabling the teams to complete the deal.
"I felt that the magnitude of the contract, both in its first year due to the signing bonus as well as over its duration, would seriously impair our ability to sign enough quality players," Nets president Rod Thorn said.
Incoming Nets owner Bruce Ratner does not want to pay the luxury tax, so the team let one of its two all-stars leave.
The three first-round picks include one of the Nuggets' own selections, a pick that belonged to the Clippers and another that was owned by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Manu Ginboili re-signed with San Antonio, which also signed free agent guard Brent Barry.
Ginobili's deal reportedly was for six years and $52 million, while Barry's four-year deal was believed worth between $22 million and $24 million.
Stephen Jackson will spend the next six years in Indianapolis after signing a contract worth between $38 million and $44 million. He was acquired by the Pacers from Atlanta for forward Al Harrington.
Memphis gave Shane Battier a six-year contract extension, with no terms announced. The forward averaged 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 79 games last season and is seen as a team leader.