|
martin
Posts: 68985
Alba Posts: 108
Joined: 7/24/2001
Member: #2
USA
|
Bryant Weighs Options
By Tim Brown, Times Staff Writer
In case it hadn't been mentioned for a couple of hours, Kobe Bryant has said he will test NBA free agency this summer, a decision that could lead to some interesting moments during recesses at his sexual assault trial.
A little more than three months to freedom, Bryant on Sunday afternoon was his usual two hours early to Staples Center. Wearing gray sweats, a personal trainer and a security guard, he often shares the court with rehearsing Laker Girls, an anthem singer or two, wandering reporters and various technical folks.
But on this afternoon, he was foiled by the Clipper-to-Laker floor changeover, so he found other ways to maintain and accelerate his game, fractured this season by injury, distraction and circumstance, and now forklifts. He did eventually get his work in.
In the meantime, on the occasion of some New York musing that the Knicks had "talked internally" about possible methods of acquiring Bryant — New York being the destination many of Bryant's teammates have bet on for months, though that was before Isiah Thomas' makeover of the Knicks — it seemed sensible to review the suitors.
According to reports strewn from one end of the season to the other, the trail often following the Lakers' schedule, Bryant will go to the Knicks because it's New York, Philadelphia for Allen Iverson, Orlando for Tracy McGrady, Chicago because, well, Michael Jordan played there, Memphis because Jerry West is there or the Clippers because he'd be away from Phil Jackson, the triangle offense and Shaquille O'Neal and still be freeway close to the in-laws.
In the "Under Consideration Because of Potential Cap Space" division, Bryant has answered what-if questions about Atlanta, San Antonio, Denver, Utah and Phoenix, often with the same promise to consider every option. Two weeks ago, Bryant dismissed the Jazz because of his belief the organization was disrespectful toward Karl Malone. Malone has become a friend of Bryant's in a turbulent period in which Bryant has distanced himself from all but his closest acquaintances.
Bryant has said he would consider staying with the Lakers, though the guess among teammates — based on discussions with Bryant — is that he will leave.
Official sponsor of the PURE KNICKS LOVE Program
|
3/22/2004 2:41 PM
