Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Will Not Demand a Trade, Wants To Retire with LA

Stephen A. Smith caused quite the stir last week when he hinted at the fact that Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant would request a trade after some questionable moves from the Lakers front office.

One thing you can't call Bryant is stupid. He wants to win, and even if he requests a deal to a contender, he knows it's very unlikely he would be dealt.

For one, the negative PR backlash would be too much for the Lakers. There is also that fact that the Lakers would never get a good enough return for him. Plus, not too many contenders could line up and take on the $59 million-plus that he's still owed on his current deal.

Instead it's more likely that Bryant is just frustrated.

It probably means more to him to retire as a Laker and take a shot at winning one more title than it would to request a trade out of town. Looking at the past NBA stars over the past decade plus, not many can say they achieved all their success in one uniform.

When looking back at his legacy, Bryant already has the championships that makes him one of the greatest players of all time. Now keeping his legacy intact is the next step for Bryant.

What does requesting a trade for a short-term fix really accomplish for Bryant?

Here's a guy that stuck it through being surrounded by Chris Mihm, Kwame Brown and others only to prevail and capture some more jewelry. He's not going to ask out now.

While the Lakers' recent moves and lack of moves may have him a bit irritated, Bryant still has a pair of quality big guys to play with and a better-than-average all-around roster. They may not look like championship contenders on paper, but at the end of the day this Lakers team is better than most in the league.

Bryant's not stupid. He's not going to want out. There is still time for this current Lakers team to win another title before his career is over.