Kobe Bryant “Optimistic” About Odom

During a news conference in Singapore, part of a six-country Asian tour, today, Kobe Bryant expressed optimism when asked about the possibility of the Lakers re-singing Lamar Odom. “I’m optimistic that he’ll be back. He makes us a much, much stronger team,” said Bryant. Odom was a key player in leading the Lakers to a championship win this season, averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during the playoffs, but negotiations about re-signing the 6-foot-10 free-agent collapsed last week after he and his agent took too long to look over the contract. Odom is also being wooed by the Miami Heat.

Bryant also spoke out about recent rumors that Lakers Coach Phil Jackson will be taking a handful of games off next season due to health problems saying, “Who said he’s coaching less? Phil likes messing with you guys. He’ll be there all the time, unless he has a doctor’s appointment to get to.” Kobe also told reporters that now that Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has committed to leading Team USA at the World Championships in 2010 and the 2012 London Olympics he is more likely to agree to play. “I’m very excited to see that he signed on. It influences all the guys just because we’ve been through that experience before and it becomes like a family. It definitely influences me,” said Byrant.

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