Like every player in the NBA, Kobe Bryant took notice of the new television deal that will result in a substantial increase in basketball related income.

"Listen: business is business," Bryant said. "I think people get that confused very easily in understanding that players should take substantially less than their market value in order to win championships."

Bryant signed a two-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013 worth $48.5 million.

"I think as players, you've kind of got to hold your ground a little bit and not be afraid of what the public perception is," Bryant said. "Instead, you try to educate the public a little bit and understand it's not about complaining about how much you're making, because that's ridiculous. We are overpaid, but so are the owners. And you have to fight for what your market value is."

This is why Kobe is considered one of the smarter individuals in the NBA

(no bias)