LOS ANGELES—Kobe Bryant insisted his contract status wouldn’t be an issue, and he was right.

Now the Los Angeles Lakers can turn their attention to some NBA champion teammates.

Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Lakers, the team he wanted to leave just two summers ago.

Team spokesman John Black on Wednesday confirmed Bryant’s decision. The MVP of the NBA finals had until Tuesday to become an unrestricted free agent, but downplayed questions about his future plans throughout the Lakers’ five-game victory...

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