Dead Story

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<h3>Dead Story</h3>
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Kobe Bryant | <font color="#000000">Lakers</font> | What: Trade To The Bulls</p>

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Kobe Bryant still may be dealt at the trade deadline or next summer, but the immediate chances of a deal between the Lakers and the Bulls have evaporated.</p>

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"It's over. It's dead. Dead story," Bulls Coach Scott Skiles said.</p>

Bryant may come to realize that not being traded to Chicago -- or anywhere else -- is the best thing that could have happened to him. -- <font color="#000000">Los Angeles Times</font></p>

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[*]When the Bulls played the Lakers on Sunday, it allowed the mind to wonder if the Lakers' minds were wandering, given the abundant stories concerning Bryant and a supposed one-way ticket out of town.

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Bryant's teammates have been immune to the tugs and pulls of the rumor mill, other than a brief period in October when Bryant skipped a series of practices and was called out by Coach Phil Jackson for not throwing his "heart and soul into performing on the floor."</p>

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"They were affected by it," Jackson said. "It was difficult for them. We just talked to them about being professional and doing their jobs and learning that things in this game sometimes happen that are beyond their control." -- <font color="#000000">Los Angeles Times</font></p>

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[*]"I don't really think about it," Bryant said after the Lakers pulled away in the second half for an easy 106-78 victory. "It's just another game."

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Bryant's silence on the subject of playing for the Bulls probably spoke volumes, because unless he expresses enough unhappiness with his current situation, there almost is no chance the Lakers will trade him. -- <font color="#000000">Arlington Heights Daily Herald</font></p></div>
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