Kobe Bryant News

Kobe Bryant ignited Los Angeles’ quick start Friday and the Lakers turned in an outstanding shooting performance to run away from Phoenix 119-98. With the Lakers having to endure constant rumors about a … via Imedinews

“I think that Phil is always looking for a positive future and he obviously wants to be careful at this point and do the right thing”

Before Phil Jackson was re-hired in 2005 to coach the Lakers, he said the length of time it took to decide on the job offer was “the biggest pregnant pause in history.” This might be Biggest Pregnant Pause Jr. via Los Angeles Times

“He’s the owner. He should know something. I don’t worry about it. I think about playing. I’ve got to worry about Phoenix [on Friday]. That’s enough.”

On day two of the regular season, the Lakers’ uneasiness continued. Magic Johnson, who owns almost 5% of the team, offered critical remarks toward the organization and a biting analysis of the Kobe Bryant trade … via Lakers Blog

Given this summer’s weirdness, the Lakers didn’t really have much of an offseason. via Los Angeles Times

“Let me think. Not a whole lot, right? We wouldn’t have a whole lot to talk about. “But there is basketball. We could talk about that.”

All signals indicate the Lakers are drawing close on a deal to trade Kobe Bryant, and I have one thing to say: Don’t do it. via Daily News

“I talked to him before the coaches and players meeting this morning when he had just gotten back from taking the MRI, and he pretty much knew the results. … He’s obviously down.”

Kobe Bryant is still a Laker, but for how long? Peter Vecsey says Kobe’s poor relationship with owner Jerry Buss may force a deal. via Fox Sports

Ronny Turiaf and Andrew Bynum each scored 18 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Sacramento Kings 101-97 on Friday night in the team’s final preseason game. via Los Angeles Lakers News and Trade Rumors

“We played a lot together in practice in Sac”

After struggling for much of the preseason, reserve point guards Jason Hart and Ronnie Price both used Tuesday night’s blowout exhibition win over the Los Angeles Lakers to display what was by far their best … via Deseret Morning News

“To kind of have this go on now, it’s a bit of a distraction.”

We needed silly, and few things can deliver silly as well as sports can, the world of games being one that, relatively speaking, is mostly weightless. via Orange Co. Register

“It could be five games, it could be one or two games. We don’t know”

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom , sidelined since the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder, could miss the first two weeks of the season. via CBS SportsLine.com

“As a group, that’s how you win ball games. You don’t win it on individual defense against good teams. You win it as a whole, so that’s why we’ve been working with the guys on rotations and help side defense.”

It kind of flew under the radar last season, but the Lakers didn’t play particularly exceptional defense during the 2006-2007 season. via Los Angeles Times

Al Thornton scored 24 points and Corey Maggette added 22 points to lead the Clippers over the Lakers, 112-96, in preseason action. via Press of Atlantic City

“I couldn’t guess until we can figure out what our roster is going to be.”

Job 1 when they throw open the Lakers clubhouse? Making sure Kobe Bryant’s locker isn’t empty. via San Bernardino Co. Sun

Teammate Kobe Bryant famously ripped Drew on tape. Instead of rushing to young Bynum’s aid, the Lakers organization spent the summer uncomfortably kissing Kobe’s ass and praying he wouldn’t press on with his … via Netscape

“It’s now about conflict and adversity”

Ego problems? Check. Awful communication? You bet. Anger, envy, lack of trust, all of it mashed into a combustible mix that’s about to blow? Exactly. via Los Angeles Times