Bryant Seems Set To Remain A Laker

ORLANDO, June 14 -- Kobe Bryant has an option to become a free agent this summer, but he attempted to quell any suspense about him possibly leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. When asked if he could see himself in any uniform except the Lakers next season, Bryant said, "No."

Bryant can terminate his contract after this season or next season to sign an extension and acted as if he was unaware that he could enter the free agent market this July. "I have a decision on my future?" Bryant said, coyly. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Bryant signed a seven-year, $136 million contract with the Lakers as a free agent in 2004. He had a brief flirtation with the Los Angeles Clippers that summer, but he said his contract situation "won't be an issue" this summer.

The Lakers, however, have some difficult decisions as it relates to forwards Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, who both will be unrestricted free agents -- and seeking long-term deals. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said the team doesn't necessarily have to decide between the two. "I don't know if that's actually what's going to happen," Jackson said. "I mean, that's not written in stone, that we have to make a decision between those two players. I don't think that's a case at all."

Ariza, who turns 24 this month, emerged as the starter this season and should receive a raise from his $2.9 million contract after averaging 11.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals. The Los Angeles native, who played at UCLA, is shooting 50.3 percent overall and 48.1 percent from beyond the three-point line, and had two game-altering steals against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.

Odom has switched between starter and sixth man this season, but will probably receive a pay cut from his $11.4 million salary after averaging 12.1 points and 9.1 rebounds this postseason. "I mean, hopefully, we keep the team together," Odom said. "As a professional athlete, you always want to be in position to win every game and that happened for us this year. There is always the business of basketball, which usually takes place after the year is over. That's the only time you can worry about that. All you can do is live in the moment and take advantage of every opportunity given, because nobody knows."