Rumors that the Washington Wizards were interested in trading Gilbert Arenas for disgruntled Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant made the rounds on the Internet, radio and television yesterday, but team president Ernie Grunfeld shot down the possible deal.

"I don't normally comment on rumors, but there is no truth to this rumor," Grunfeld said when reached by phone last evening. "We've never had any conversations with the Lakers or with anyone else about Gilbert."