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NBA commissioner David Stern said yesterday that although he believes a 20-year-old minimum age for players would be an improvement, it is not the highest priority. The league's minimum age is 19. Stern said he has no plans to reopen the NBA's collective bargaining agreement to make a change. Philadelphia Inquirer
Count Kobe Bryant among those who don't think the NBA needs to change its minimum age requirement from 19 to 20. Bryant said they shouldn't take the decision away from a player that age because "they've had situations that have worked out with high school kids" -- such as Bryant. Riverside Press-Enterprise
Bryant reasoned that if 18-year-olds can join the Army, why shouldn't they be able to play in the NBA? "Picking up a gun and fighting for your country is a little more dangerous than playing in the NBA," Bryant said. "Just a little. It's a choice. I think they should definitely have their options and have their choice if they want to do it or if they don't. It can't hurt." Riverside Press-Enterprise