A shrug and a grin.

It doesn't make much sense considering the state of Laker affairs.

The lineup is depleted by injury. The coach has a heart condition. A run of three consecutive NBA titles could end tonight in a do-or-die playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center.

Through it all, Kobe Bryant has maintained the same casual expression because, he says, the defending champions still have one thing on their side.