Bryant remains with Lakers

Bryant was initially selected out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 draft by Charlotte. However, his draft rights were later traded to LA in a deal that sent Vlade Divac to the Hornets.

The 25-year-old Bryant, who has spent all eight of his NBA seasons with the Lakers, seriously considered playing for the Clippers. Bryant, though, ultimately decided on staying with his current club.

"We realize that this was an important decision for him, and we respect the process undertaken to reach it," said Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations, Elgin Baylor.

Bryant averaged 24 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game last season for Los Angeles, which lost to the Pistons in five games in the NBA Finals.

"Everybody at the Los Angeles Clippers — starting with the owner — would like to wish Kobe well," said Baylor.

The six-time All-Star Bryant has averaged 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 561 career games. Bryant, the 2002 All-Star game MVP, averaged personal bests with 30.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game in 2002-03.

The Lakers hope to have Bryant on the basketball court in time for the upcoming season as he awaits his pending trial in a sexual assault case.

Bryant is accused of sexually assaulting a woman over a year ago at a Colorado resort, a Class 3 felony with penalties ranging from four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation.

Bryant, who was in Colorado for surgery on his right knee at the time of the alleged assault, claimed the two had consensual sex.

Los Angeles has won the NBA title in three of the last five seasons, but the team will have a significantly different look this year. On Wednesday, the club parted ways with three-time Finals MVP Shaquille O’Neal after he was traded to Miami in exchange for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler and a first-round draft pick.

It is also likely that the Lakers will be without future Hall-of Fame forward Karl Malone, who is both contemplating retirement and exploring opportunities with other teams. Reserve guard Derek Fisher is also a free agent and could be looking elsewhere.