Last week ESPN's Ric Bucher recycled an old story that Kobe Bryant had knocked down a Detroit-Lakers' trade, which carried the absurd suggestion the Lakers had agreed to take Rip Hamilton, who's 29, and Tayshaun Prince, who's 27.

Bucher then worked as the sideline reporter for Friday's Lakers-Pistons' telecast, where the story was briefly mentioned but laid off on a Detroit radio station.

Of more interest was Bucher's conclusion:

"I was told today that as of now Kobe's distrust of the front office remains, and he would like to be playing for a championship elsewhere."

Lakers' officials now insist they're even more resolved to keep Bryant -- but no one from Jerry Buss down will come out and say he's not going anywhere this season.

Via L.A. Times

Los Angeles Lakers

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