Kobe Bryant is not thrilled about one of his pals Lamar Odom being traded away to Dallas.
On Sunday, at the team’s first media day since 2003 without Odom, Bryant didn’t take a wait-and-see approach before voicing his opinion of the deal that sent versatile forward/guard/center, along with a 2012 second-round pick, to the Dallas Mavericks for a $8.9 million trade exception, as well as Dallas’ 2012 first-round pick, ESPN is reporting.
Bryant was quite clear that he was unhappy.
“I don’t like it,” Bryant said. “To be honest with you, I don’t like it.”
Odom was not present at the practice facility while his teammates spoke to reporters and posed for photos in their gold home jerseys.
Kobe didn’t wait until it was official to speak about the trade.
“You’re talking about the Sixth Man of the Year last year,” Bryant said. “He played lights out. I don’t understand the criticism of reality shows and this, that and the other. I don’t get it. I don’t understand that. He had his best season last season, clearly wasn’t a distraction, and he played his ass off. I don’t get where that comes from.”
Read more at ESPN.