Drama in Lakerland

This morning on ESPN radio, Kobe Bryant told Stephen A Smith that he is frustrated and wants to be traded from the Lakers. Kobe said there is nothing the team could do to change his mind. After reviewing the comments that Bryant made to Smith, I am still a little shocked about the whole situation. It seems to be a big mess of reports and leaks within the Laker organization that have upset Bryant. Los Angeles Times reporter Mark Heisler wrote that a Laker’s insider said that Kobe Bryant ran Shaquille O’Neal out of Los Angeles. This report seems to be the bulk of Kobe’s frustration.

Greg Anthony reported on ESPN’s Outside the Lines that he had spoken with Bryant after the Bryant/Smith conversation on the radio. Anthony claimed that Bryant had a conversation with Phil Jackson which calmed Bryant down. Anthony said that Jackson asked Bryant to sit back and evaluate the steps the Lakers organization takes to resolve the insider leaks and player acquisitions in the near future before demanding a trade. Anthony believes that Bryant will do just that. Kobe has reported that he wants to be traded, but most likely the Lakers will resolve the problem by firing the insider who leaked to the press. Then if West comes and the team gets some quality players, we will still be able to see Kobe in uniform next season in Los Angeles.