Attorney Says Abdul-Jabbar May Sign New 2-Year Contract Before Finals End

The attorney representing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said Friday that the Laker center may agree to a new two-year contract before the end of the NBA finals.

Leonard Armato, who spoke with Abdul-Jabbar by telephone Friday morning just before the Lakers left for Boston, said he expects to continue contract talks with Laker attorney Jerry Fine in an attempt to work out a deal as quickly as possible.

“We’re going to have more discussions within the next day or two,” Armato said. “I anticipate they may be coming back to us.”

Armato said Abdul-Jabbar has already rejected the premise that any contract he sign cover only one year. “His next contract will be his last,” Armato said. “There will be no one-year (contract) and then one year again.”

Armato also indicated that Abdul-Jabbar is not interested in writing an escape clause, otherwise known as a one-way option, into a new contract. Such a clause in his current contract gave him the right to change his mind about playing.

“He’ll make a commitment in advance,” Armato said.

If the new contract is worked out as expected, Abdul-Jabbar, 40, will finish with a 20-year career. Abdul-Jabbar’s current contract expires at the end of the season. He is paid $2 million annually. Armato said he expects Abdul-Jabbar to receive a significant raise.