Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak cringed at the question, one he had to expect to be asked even on a day when the organization was upbeat about having selected Georgia Tech guard Javaris Crittenton with the 19th pick in Thursday's NBA draft.

But Lakers coach Phil Jackson didn't back away from questions about disgruntled Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, saying he expects Bryant to be on the team when the Lakers head to Hawaii for training camp in October.

Jackson said he has frequently spoken to Bryant since his outburst.

"Kobe has got to respect what this team is trying and has to do and we're trying to work our way through this," Jackson said. "In my heart of hearts, I believe that when it comes time in Hawaii for this team to step on the floor, Kobe Bryant is going to be wearing a uniform."

Via Press Enterprise

Los Angeles Lakers

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