Kobe Bryant Has Run-In With Reporter, Still Quiet On L.A. Lakers

The Los Angeles Times tries, unsuccessfully, to get Bryant to address his future at a Team USA media scrum:

L.A. Times: So, what do you think of the Garnett deal?

Kobe Bryant: As far as what?

L.A. Times: Are you disappointed the Lakers couldn’t make something happen?

KB: I don’t have a reaction either way. I don’t think about it too much.

L.A. Times: You don’t think about the Lakers, and what they could or could not do to improve after everything you had to say?

KB: Why should I?

L.A. Times: So what do you say? (about GM Mitch Kupchak’s recent comments to the L.A. Daily News)

KB: Talk to Mitch about it, man. If that’s what he feels, that’s what he feels.

L.A. Times: Repeats question (again asks Kobe for his opinion on Kupchak’s comments).

KB: I don’t have one.

L.A. Times: You’re telling me, the Lakers aren’t on your mind?

KB: Write what you want to write.

L.A. Times: You made your future with the Lakers an issue, and don’t you think you have left Lakers fans hanging.

KB: I’m not making it an issue any more.

L.A. Times: Does that mean you will be at training camp?

KB: I have no reason not to be.

L.A. Times: Your guy, [ESPN’s] Ric Bucher, says you will never play in a Lakers uniform again.

KB: You know what, man, we’ll see what happens. Maybe I just don’t like seeing you here.

L.A. Times: (asks Bryant if he wanted to play with Jermaine O’Neal)

KB: Oh man, this guy right here is something special. I don’t know what’s going to happen [with O’Neal]. I don’t know. I hear what’s going on, but I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see. You’re the only one who is asking about the Lakers. Let it go.

L.A. Times: I don’t understand why you just don’t clear the air — especially after the mixed messages you sent earlier.

KB: Mitch and them know what’s going on. Go knock down his door. He knows what’s going on.

L.A. Times: I take it our love affair is already over.

KB: Love affair?

My Quick Take: This is a tough situation for the reporter and, to an extent, Bryant. The media is required to ask tough questions-even when they know they’ll get a less than favorable response. It’s part of the job. And it’s the part of the job fans don’t usually see or understand. The reporter had to ask Bryant about his future because that’s what people want to know about.

This is also a somewhat difficult spot for Bryant. As a professional athlete, he’s required to deal with these questions-even if he doesn’t like what is going to be asked.

Credit the reporter for doing his job. And credit Bryant for making himself available. Sure, he didn’t really answer the reporter’s questions, but so many NBA stars duck out the back exit when the heat is on. Bryant’s attempts at silence and non-answers is better than a no-show.

Nothing has changed between Bryant and the Lakers; their cold war impasse continues. But it’s too quiet and something big will soon happen.

What do you think of Bryant’s run-in with the L.A. Times? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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