Bryant wants to stay, but will try free agency

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant said repeatedly Friday that he wants to be a Laker "for life," though he still plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer.
Responding to a report that he has already made it clear to the Lakers organization that he has decided to leave, Bryant said the story was untrue.
"I want to be a Laker for the rest of my life. That hasn't changed," said Bryant, who has been with Los Angeles throughout his eight-year NBA career.
Bryant said he has kept in regular contact with general manager Mitch Kupchak, who faces the prospect of losing Bryant as a free agent with nothing in return if the 25-year-old superstar decides to leave.
The NBA trading deadline is Thursday.
"Kobe's not going anywhere," Kupchak said.