Paxson Says Lakers Have Not Contacted Bulls About Kobe

Bulls general manager John Paxson denied an ESPN report that the Lakers have contacted the Bulls regarding a possible trade for Kobe Bryant.

While discussing Bryant?s situation on ESPNews, NBA analyst Ric Bucher said the Lakers ?have talked to the Chicago Bulls.? Reached by e-mail late Tuesday, Paxson wrote that the report was not true.

There have been rumors of a three-way trade involving Boston that would send Paul Pierce to Los Angeles, Bryant to the Bulls and unknown assets to the Celtics.