The LA Lakers have received a huge boost with the news that Kobe Bryant has decided to stay.
The Lakers were facing the possibility of losing their two biggest stars following the departure of Shaquille O'Neal to Miami Heat on Wednesday.
However, Bryant has turned down an offer from the LA Clippers and signed a new contract with the Lakers - a seven-year deal reported to be worth $136m.
"I struggled with the decision," Bryant admitted. "But I have been a Laker fan since I was a little kid.
"It is in my heart and I have a chance to finish my career out here."
The Lakers won three consecutive NBA titles from 2000, with O'Neal starring in the middle and Bryant outstanding in the backcourt.
But after losing to the Detroit Pistons in this year's NBA finals, Bryant announced he would test the free agent market.
The re-signing comes at the end of the most trying season of Bryant's eight-year professional career.
His trial for the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old hotel worker is scheduled to begin on 27 August and is expected to last at least three weeks.
Bryant has admitted having sex with the young woman but contends their encounter was consensual.
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