Bryant, 30, had until Wednesday to become a free agent by opting out of the remaining two years on his contract, Lakers spokesman John Black said in a telephone interview.

Bryant has spent his 13-year National Basketball Association career with the Lakers, winning four championships. He was the Most Valuable Player of this year' s NBA Finals and said two weeks ago that he planned to stay with the Lakers.

Bryant is set to make US$23 million during the 2009-10 season and could then opt out of the final year of his contract unless he agrees to an extension. The Los Angeles Times reported Bryant probably will sign a three-year extension this month that may be worth US$86 million to US$91 million.

Bryant averaged 26.8 points and 5.2 rebounds during the regular season. In the Lakers' five-game win over Orlando in the NBA Finals, he averaged 32.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds.