In his first comments since Kobe Bryant's headache-inducing trade demand, Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers' general manager, said Tuesday he has been tirelessly seeking a trade to help the team's short-term fortunes but that his efforts have been complicated by the public assumption that the Lakers are desperate to deal.
"We've been more aggressive than we've ever been," Kupchak said during a 45-minute interview.
Kupchak spoke at length about the misfortunes of last season, about his optimism, about the upcoming draft, impending free agents and the future of coach Phil Jackson. The elephant in the room - the status of Bryant and the likelihood of a franchise-shaking trade - was a taboo subject not to be broached.
"I think enough has been said," Kupchak said.