The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that league sources believe that Kobe Bryant will leave the Lakers at the end of the season when he will opt out of the final year of his contract.
Four league sources, three of which are inside the Lakers organization, are telling the Daily News that Bryant is spreading the word to teammates, coaches, and others that he is out the door.
"He is absolutely going to leave. Everybody knows it," a league source who has regular contact with Lakers officials told the Daily News.
On Wednesday night in Houston, Bryant categorically and angrily denied that, telling the Daily News, "That's bull. It's not fair. They're way off-base."
Possibile options for Bryant this summer include the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Atlanta Hawks.