Frustration turns into motivation for Bryant

by Cody Barron, staff writer

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, widely regarded as one of the National Basketball League’s best players, showed up to the Lakers’ minicamp ready to move on. 

Many questioned whether Bryant would return to the team after the controversy that surrounded the superstar after last season.  Last May, after being ousted from the playoffs in the first round by the Phoenix Suns for the second consecutive year, Bryant told ESPN radio that he would “like to be traded.”  Later that day, Bryant told KLAC Los Angeles, that the Lakers were his team, and that he didn’t want to go anywhere.

It was apparent that Bryant was simply trying to get the attention of the Lakers’ front office to make a trade to improve the team.  The Lakers attempted to acquire Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O’Neal during the off-season, though both deals could not get worked out. 

On Oct. 1, the first day of Lakers minicamp and Media Day, many wondered if Bryant would be there.  At 10 a.m., when everything was supposed to begin, Bryant’s spokeswoman told the media that he had a doctor’s appointment and would be running a little late.  At 10:34 a.m., Bryant showed up, and everyone seemed a bit relieved.

When asked about the radio interviews, Bryant responded, “I was frustrated, so I blew up. Now, it's about taking this team that we have and take it to new heights. I think the important thing for everybody to understand is I want to bring a title back to L.A.”

Bryant also added, “There was never a doubt that I was coming to camp.  They knew that; I knew that.”

Reporters also asked Bryant about the video that surfaced on the Internet of the nine-time all-star criticizing general manger Mitch Kupchack for not trading center Andrew Bynum. 

"I thought it was kind of messed up," Bynum said. "The only thing it really did was make me work harder. I really didn't think it was that big a deal.”

Bryant said he apologized to Kupchack and sent a text message apologizing to Bynum for the incident.

Only time will tell if Bryant will return at full-force for the Lakers.  I think that Bryant will return to the Lakers this season with the same determination that is expected from the three-time NBA champion. 

Bryant’s frustration is understandable, though.  He has carried the team on his back into the playoffs after the departure of Shaquille O’Neal to Miami.  Bryant has led the league in scoring in each of the past two seasons.  

Bryant seems to be very optimistic about the upcoming season. 

"I'm ready to play. I'm in shape, guys look good. I'm ready to go. My job is to come out here on the floor, help us win ballgames."