LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Lakers have signed superstar Kobe Bryant to a three-year contract extension, the National Basketball Association team announced.

"It was important," Bryant said after the Lakers 106-92 win over Utah on Friday. "I knew it was something I wanted to do and the time was right so we struck a deal.

"It is a huge honour for me to be part of this organization for such a long time."

Bryant scored 25 points Friday for the West-leading Lakers who are coming off a disappointing 2-3 road trip.

General manager Mitch Kupchak said the reigning NBA champions have achieved two of their main goals in making sure the 31-year-old Bryant and Pau Gasol will be with the team for some time to come.

Spain's Gasol signed his extension, which could be worth as much as 64.7 million dollars depending on 2011 salary cap terms, in December. It will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2013-2014 season.

Bryant is averaging 27.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season. He has helped the Lakers win four NBA championships.

The new agreement will begin after next season. Bryant will earn 23 million dollars this season and is set to make 24.8 million dollars in 2010-11.

"Good news," coach Phil Jackson said. "I expected that Kobe would sign. It's a good choice for him and the organization."

Bryant could have ended the final two years of his contract and become a free agent in the summer.

The 12-time all-star and former league MVP (2008) helped the Americans win a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics.

Earlier this year he surpassed hall of famer Jerry West to become the Lakers all-time scoring leader.