The guy is unbelievably talented, but he's another athlete I've had more than enough of with his off the court b.s. Why is he making these claims now, three years after Shaq and Jackson left (the latter came back after a year away from coaching the Lakers)?

He would make any team better, no question. But in the salary cap era of the NBA, who can really trade for him? Assuming a team wants Bryant, how can the Lakers ever expect to get anything close to Bryant's value in return?

Forgetting his mouth and ego, I'd gladly take him on the Cavs in exchange for Gooden, Hughes, and either Gibson or Varejao. But if he couldn't peacefully coexist with Shaq, then I don't see how Kobe & LeBron wouldn't have their differences as to who gets the most shots, plays, etc.

Bryant wants out of LA