He's been dancing around the questions for the past few moths, offering tight-lipped answers, really leaving the fans to draw their own conclusions. Well, today Kobe was direct about his aspirations to spend the rest of his career in Los Angeles:

"Absolutely," Bryant said the day after the Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 128-114 in their playoff series opener. "I've always wanted to be here. I just felt like I was in a position where I didn't really have a choice. They wanted to go in an opposite direction. My legs aren't as young as they used to be. Just let me know.

"I love the weather. I love my '63 drop-top Impala. I love the 405 (freeway). I love my guys." [HoopsVibe]

This may instill hope amongst the Lakers faithful, however, we know how fast things can change. I can't lie though. I wouldn't mind seeing the 24 hang from the rafters.

It turns out today was a pretty busy day as far as news from the Lakers' camp.

More Andrew Bynum drama:

When asked after practice if there was a risk of messing up team chemistry by playing 7-footers Bynum and Pau Gasol at the same time, Jackson replied: "I think without a doubt that Andrew would come off the bench and we would play him a little bit off the bench if there was any chance that he could come back and play again, but it's such a remote thing. We're not seriously thinking about it." [ESPN]

Also, some bad news for the Mbenga fans out there:

Center DJ Mbenga got caught up with some of the other participants and ended up on the floor with a look of agony on his face as teammates and team medical personnel gathered around.

DJ had a CT scan and was diagnosed with bruised ribs. He is officially listed as Day-to-Day. [Lakers Basketblog]

Randoms from the LA Times Lakers Blog:
1. Ronny Turiaf was sent home today, suffering from some sort of ailment
2. Kobe commented on those "DUI" chants raining on Melo on Sunday, calling them "uncalled for."
3. That above noted injury that DJ Mbenga duffered was from a knee to the ribs. Ouch.