The sound you heard Monday was the majority of Laker Nation breathing a sigh of relief. For what you may ask? The sight of Kobe Bryant in a Lakers jersey smiling at Monday's media day in El Segundo. Up until the moment #24 walked thru the door (albeit 30 minutes late due to a doctor appt.) there was uncertainty surrounding the Lakers star and if he would hold out during training camp. Following another disappointing season/1st round playoff exit, Kobe let loose his frustrations thru the early part of the summer. What followed was a series of bizarre radio interviews in which he demanded/rescinded/reiterated trade demands. He sited the Lakers inability to surround him with the necessary pieces required to compete in the rugged NBA Western Conference. He claimed he was mislead by Lakers owner Jerry Buss when he resigned with the club as a free agent. Bryant claims Buss promised to build a winning team around him immediately. However, upon learning Buss told coach Phil Jackson they were going to be in rebuilding mode, Bryant felt even more betrayed. Everything boiled over with Kobe hearing an "insider" within the Lakers organization pinned the departure of Shaquille O'Neal squarely on his shoulders. Bryant then focused the majority of his summer on Team USA and bringing home the gold at the FIBA Tournament of the America's in Las Vegas and thus qualifying for the 2008 Olympics. What seems apparent following Monday's media day is the summer has helped soothe Kobe's frustration as has the addition of former teammate Derek Fisher as well as the re-signing of Luke Walton and Chris Mihm. For now Kobe is putting on a brave face and saying all the right things. What remains to be seen though, is how long this will last and what happens if the Lakers don't improve this season. One thing is for sure, this will be one interesting season down at Staples Center! Looking for Los Angeles Lakers tickets at Staples Center? Check www.ticketrequest.com/sports.html
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