That's totally true, but I think he can assume a leadership role and inspire the younger guys without taking 30% of his team's shots and demanding a max contract. In his mind, the Lakers team is still his, even though he can no longer carry an NBA team on his own.

A good comparison for aging superstars is Kobe vs. Tim Duncan. Kobe Bryant wants a max contract despite putting up one of the worst FG% in the entire league. He takes 30% of his team's shots and shoots 35% from the field. His team has placed a lot of stock in grooming a PG (Russell) who will hopefully carry the team forward, and yet Kobe still wants the ball. He wants the team to be his even though it means putting up the worst record in Lakers history. He made the entire season about him, and his "farewell tour".

And then you have the Tim Duncan, who takes a significant pay cut to enable his team to sign upcoming stars. He becomes a roll-player. He takes reduced minutes, because he cares about his team winning.

Both of these players led their teams to multiple championships. Which team did better this year? Which team's future looks brighter next year? Duncan's team? Or Kobe's?