NBA star Kobe Bryant used his negotiations tactics to make sure he had a big payday this weekend when the Los Angeles Lakers paid him 79.7 percent of the $30.5 million he is owed in 2013-14, a total of $24,363,0444.

Most players opt to receive their money in much smaller payments throughout the year, but it seems like the Lakers are willing to cater to one of the best players to ever play in the NBA.

As great as it sounds for Bryant, however, up to 55 percent of his payday will go to taxes. Regardless, the remaining $6 million will be paid over the course of the season.

The veteran former first round draft choice started his professional career in 1996 and has spent his entire career with the Lakers. He played in 78 regular season games last year for Los Angeles before rupturing his achilles tendon. Bryant missed the playoffs as the San Antonio Spurs quickly swept the Lakers in the opening round.

Last year his then-teammate Dwight Howard stirred the pot when reports emerged that Howard wouldn't return to the Lakers if Kobe were to return for another year. It was that point when Howard decided to go to the Houston Rockets; he made his team debut this week.

This year Howard is still suffering from the effects of the injury he suffered last year. He has not returned to the court, yet his team is 1-1 on the season. His current deal runs out on June 30 and it is widely expected that the Lakers will make a move to re-sign the veteran.