NBA: Kobe backs off on trade demand

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant has made conflicting statements about whether he wants to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers.
At first on Wednesday, in an interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN Radio in New York, Bryant said he wanted to be dealt, saying the Lakers "obviously want to move in a different direction in terms of rebuilding." Later in the afternoon, on the same network, Bryant said he spoke to Lakers coach Phil Jackson after his comments to Smith, but felt better about the situation with his current team.
"I don't want to go anyplace else," the nine-time All-Star said later in the afternoon. "I want to be a Laker. I want to be here for the rest of my career. It was encouraging to hear that."
The 28-year-old Bryant still has four years and nearly $89 million left on a seven-year contract he signed in 2004, but has butted heads with Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak over the inability to garner more talent for the franchise.