Kobe Bryant says he won't play for any team but the Lakers
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday, Nov. 28, 2015 in Brooklyn. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Kobe Bryant was quite adamant that he is, and always will be, a Laker. Despite what Phil Jackson says.
"I've said it so many times, I'm here," Bryant said after the Lakers defeated the Nets, 104-98, on Friday night at Barclays Center. "I'm a Laker for life."
Jackson -- who coached Bryant and the Lakers to five championships -- said in September that he believed Bryant's days in Los Angeles could be nearing an end.
"I don't think it's his last year," said Jackson, president of the Knicks. "It sounds like it may be his last year as a Laker."
Bryant, who is in the second and final year of a $48.5-million contract, was asked on Friday night about Jackson's comments.
"That's Phil baiting [the media] like he always does," Bryant said with a smile. "He's a master at it."
The Lakers visit Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon to face the Knicks.
Bryant, 37, has struggled this season and has failed to find his shooting stroke. Against the Nets, he had 18 points but shot 5-for-16 from the field in the Lakers' first victory of the season.
There has been speculation that, with Bryant set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, he might retire after he plays out his contract. Jackson, on the other hand, speculated that Bryant might leave the only team he has played for in his 19-year career.
"I'm not playing anywhere else, no matter what," Bryant said. "It's just not going to happen. I bleed purple and gold, and that's just how it's going to be."
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