Kobe Bryant wants to retire a Laker

source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines - National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Kobe Bryant is hoping to retire as a Los Angeles Laker and be one of the few players to stay with one team throughout their entire career.

In a Q&A session with Yahoo! Sports Marc J. Spears, Bryant denied reports that he was considering asking for a trade from the team.

"I don't know where that comes from. I don't have any feeling about (leaving), whatsoever," he said.

Bryant has played for the Lakers since he entered the league in 1996 and has put together a storied career with the purple and gold. He won 5 championships (2000-2002, 2009-2010) and was named Most Valuable Player in the 2008 season.

When asked if he wants to stay a Laker, Bryant replied, "Of course. No question."

"I've been here for 16 years. I'm going to up and leave now?" he added.

Bryant said it would be special for him to spend his entire career in Los Angeles, a rarity in today's NBA. "It's almost nearly impossible," he said.

The 13-time All-Star admitted that he seriously considered signing with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004 as a free agent, but eventually decided to remain with the Lakers.

"I've been with this organization. I like being here. I like playing for the purple and gold. This is where I want to finish up," Bryant said.

Bryant and the Lakers are facing a challenging 2011-2012 season after they traded away veteran forward Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks, the team that swept them out of the second round of last season's playoffs.

They also have to adjust to the style of new coach Mike Brown, who was hired after longtime head coach Phil Jackson retired.

"I still don't know what other moves we are going to make or are we going to try to do anything," Bryant admitted when asked about the current Lakers roster. "I really don't know."

"I'm just trying to work everyday with the guys and trying to be as sharp as can be with the guys here and then see where we end up."

He remains confident that they are good enough to win the NBA championship.

"We have a good roster here. People look at our roster, and it doesn't have the sexy names people want to see nowadays with superteams. But I believe it's good enough to get it done," Bryant said.

Bryant and the Lakers play the LA Clippers in a pre-season game tomorrow.