Kobe-to-Suns Reports Amuse Coach D'Antoni



LOS ANGELES - When the Kobe Bryant drama unfolded and the talk turned to teams he would like the Los Angeles Lakers to trade him to, the Phoenix Suns were on his list.

When Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was approached after his team defeated Charlotte, 98-88, in the first game at Staples Center on Sunday, he crossed his arms and dismissed the idea of Kobe Bryant joining Phoenix.

D'Antoni found it amusing there were reports the Los Angeles Lakers asked for two-time MVP Steve Nash and Shawn Marion for Kobe Bryant.

And when the Los Angeles Lakers were turned down, D'Antoni was just as amused to hear the Los Angeles Lakers then asked for Raja Bell, Amare Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa.

"Most time we kind of chuckle at them because most of the time it's not close to being true," D'Antoni said. "No one would think that the Los Angeles Lakers would give us Kobe Bryant in their backyard. That's not going to happen. So, we just kind of laughed at it. We don't really address it because there's nothing to it."

The Los Angeles Lakers and Suns both play in the Pacific Division, and it's rare for teams to trade a player to a division rival.

"It would be great because you're talking about the best player in the game, if not one of the top three. That's good," D'Antoni said. "But that's fantasy basketball."

Phil's Latest Controversy

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson has had to deal with countless controversies during his tenure as a coach.

So this new one with Kobe Bryant perhaps getting traded and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss willing to make it happen is not anything new for Jackson.

Jackson said all coaches have "some kind of drama going on at some level. Maybe not this level. But I'm sure there's a level of drama going on.

"To be honest with you, it might be undermining the tension or whatever you need to have a season," Jackson said. "(You need) to have that kind of tension that creates peak performances, with guys trying to perform or compete at the best level."

Jackson said he believes coaches "build that tension" through competition by pushing their team.

"(But) we've created our own," Jackson said. "It's not another day. These things have ebb and flow. It's kind of like phases of the moon."

Contracts Affect Los Angeles Clippers?

The Clippers could be at the crossroad this season.

Elton Brand and Corey Maggette can opt out of their contracts when the season is over. Sam Cassell is in the final year of his contract.

Elton Brand will be out until perhaps the All-Star break recovering from a ruptured left Achilles' tendon and Shaun Livingston could be out as long or longer recovering from a dislocated left knee.

That foursome is considered the cornerstone of the team.

"We've got some things up in the air, no question about that," Los Angeles Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said.

But Dunleavy said that group, along with Chris Kaman, Cuttino Mobley, rookie Al Thornton, Tim Thomas, Brevin Knight and Dan Dickau, gives the Los Angeles Clippers a bright future.

"As far as the future, I like that team," Dunleavy said. "If we have all that going and we're healthy, I think we're pretty good."

Los Angeles Clippers Beat Los Angeles Lakers

With Thornton scoring 24 points and Corey Maggette scoring 22, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 112-96, in the second game at Staples Center.

Kobe Bryant played only 17 minutes, none in the second half, and scored 10 points.

Jordan Farmar led the Los Angeles Lakers with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

Thomas missed the game because he was home for personal reasons. He is expected back today.

Lakers Emphasize Transition

Jackson wants to push the basketball for early transition points this season.

He said Jordan Farmar, Javaris Crittenton and Sasha Vujacic can push the ball, as can Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Luke Walton.

That can lead to layups and to three-point shots for Derek Fisher and Vladimir Radmanovic.

"We think we can extend the floor a little bit," Jackson said. "As a first-strike type of team, we can do this. We're still not convinced that we can. We still have to feel that out."

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