I know exactly what you’re thinking right now… “What the hell did that video have to do with the article?” & “Was that necessary?”… Well the simple answers are everything &  yes, respectively. Besides, why pass up an opportunity to post a Kobe highlight reel?.. Its like a movie. (no Dj Khaled)

The Lakers apparently have locked up one key player to a contract extension, and they’re also making progress toward re-signing the key player.

Forward Pau Gasol has agreed in principle to a contract extension through the 2013-14 season, and star shooting guard Kobe Bryant has had positive discussions on an extension that would keep him in L.A. for the same period, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Gasol is expected to officially sign at some point when the Lakers return home this week. His current contract expires after next season, when he’ll make $17.8 million. Depending on the NBA’s salary-cap figures, the three-year extension could be worth about $65 million.

Bryant also will be in the final year of his current contract next season, when he’ll make almost $25 million. A three-year extension could push his yearly salary to the $30 million range. One issue on the contract could be whether Bryant can again have a no-trade clause, according to the Times. Bryant publicly demanded to be traded from the Lakers before the 2007-08 season.