Johnny Buss went public in efforts to clarify an Internet post he made, saying it was meant as supportive of Bryant if he were to be traded. Buss, who has no role in Lakers management, said his father was upset by Bryant?s recent complaints, though.
?He?s stood behind Kobe in quite a few issues that Kobe?s gone through in his career with the Lakers, and I think my dad was hurt,? Buss said. ?I felt like he was hurt. He spent a lot of time on the phone with my brother (Jim) and the coach, Phil Jackson, and they were just trying to figure out what they could do to keep Kobe in Los Angeles. And I think they are still going to try to do that.?