<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant will not be dealt before the trading deadline next week, even though he plans to test free agency over the summer. "Kobe's not going anywhere," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told the Associated Press on Friday, another day in the life of the soap opera otherwise known as the Los Angeles Lakers. While insisting he wants to be a Laker "for life," Bryant reaffirmed his intention to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. He also responded to a report that he's already made it clear to the Lakers that he plans to leave, saying the story was untrue. "Everybody wants to stir up the pot. We just let that go as a team and keep our eyes focused on the prize," Bryant said. With the trading deadline set for Thursday, the Lakers have three legitimate reasons to part ways with Bryant: # He faces a rape allegation in Colorado and will likely go on trial over the summer, facing a long prison sentence if convicted. # He has given the team no assurances that he will stay after he opts out of the final year of his contract. # His relationship with his teammates and coach is strained.</div> Full Article
