Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Has Every Right To Be Furious About Lamar Odom Trade

Kobe Bryant sounded off about the Los Angeles Lakers trading Lamar Odom, giving every indication he was furious with the move, and rightfully so.

"To be honest with you, I don't like it," Bryant said. "I've known Lamar for a long time, and for the team itself, he means a lot in terms of his versatility, his personality."

Bryant did note that he has complete faith in Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers front office, yet it's clear that he is not a happy-camper right now.

Odom was supposed to be the Lakers' ticket to acquiring another superstar; when he left Los Angeles, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Andre Iguodala or Monta Ellis were thought to be incoming.

That isn't how it played out though, so it is impossible to ridicule Bryant for his stance on the entire ordeal. The Lakers not only traded their most versatile player, but Odom was also their most consistent, outside of Bryant.

Additionally, what are the Lakers supposed to do in their pursuit of another superstar now? They have pulled out of the Paul sweepstakes, and seem unwilling to relinquish both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol in any deal for Howard. And let's also not neglect to mention there is no cap space for Los Angeles to play around with in free agency.

With the restrictions the Lakers have placed on themselves in regards to Howard and Paul, common sense would suggest that they revisit Monta Ellis and Andre Iguodala scenarios that were being discussed prior to the lockout. Either player would serve as a sufficient consolation prize for Los Angeles after missing out on both Howard and Paul.

 There is only one problem: Odom is with the Mavericks.

Odom was a key piece in both the potential Iguodala and Ellis rumors, meaning that the Lakers will have to circle back and relay groundwork for both deals. Given how unlikely it is that they would be willing to part with either Bynum or Gasol for either player, that is going to prove extremely challenging.

Can you see why Bryant is so angry now? The Odom trade not only cost Bryant a dear friend, but hampered, if not ruined, the chances of him having another superstar to play alongside.

Los Angeles' recent course of action presents no clear motive for what's coming next. Are the Lakers bound to acquire Howard or Paul? Is another superstar not yet in the headlines on the way? Or has the team entered self-destruction mode?

If the Lakers' direction turns out to be the latter, Bryant will have much more than the Odom trade to be furious about.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.