Lost in the criticism over Kobe Bryant's rationale in not asking for a trade could be another veiled dig at LeBron James.
Yahoo! Sports reported that Bryant shut down any rumors that he might be disgruntled in Los Angeles after the Lakers' 0-4 start - their worst start since the 1957-58 season.
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"I hear the chatter of Kobe should ask out and he should go and play for a contender in this latter stage of his career," Bryant told Yahoo Sports. "But that's not what I do. I'm extremely loyal to the Lakers.
"I believe in fighting through the tough times as well as enjoying the good times. It's my responsibility to get us to be the best that we can be. It's important that we approach that on a day-to-day basis."
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That philosophy seems to be in direct contrast to that of James, who could be said to have left two franchises he felt were no longer in position to contend for championships.
James left the Cleveland Cavaliers to form the power trio with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh with the Miami Heat. The team went to the NBA Finals four straight years, winning the middle two.
But after losing to the superior San Antonio Spurs last season, James broke off from the Heat and returned to the Cavaliers, where a better-stocked team with Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins-turned-into-Kevin Love awaited.
Bryant said he wouldn't do that to the Lakers.
"I've enjoyed a great amount of success here," he said. "You can't just enjoy the successful times and then run away from the bad ones. No, I don't even think about [departing]. I'm a Laker."
CBSSports.com, however, reported that the same Bryant did demand a trade from the Lakers in 2007.
"So, wait, that's not what he does, except for that time that he did it, but that was different because they weren't just 'sitting on their hands' so it's OK that he did? But that still means he did demand a trade. I'm confused.
"To back up: Kobe doesn't do the thing that he did in 2007, because that was different and therefore he doesn't do that.
"Except he did."
Bryant told Stephen A. Smith in 2007 he wanted a trade, but the Lakers instead went out and got Pau Gasol. And Bryant never left.
James did. Twice. And perhaps, Bryant just called him on it.
Do you think Kobe Bryant was making any insinuation about LeBron James during his "no-trade" speech? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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