Time has not tempered the frustration felt by Kobe Bryant, who has watched two key teammates ? Kwame Brown and Lamar Odom ? face medical issues that have thrust their off-season into doubt, as well as many trade possibilities for the team.

The Lakers who were seen at the end of the season might look a lot like those that return for the start of 2007-08, with some minor additions here and there. It isn't sitting well with Kobe Bryant.

"I want to see us get to a contending level," he said Saturday with firmness in his voice. "I want to see us become a championship contender. It's been a frustrating process for me and I'm sure it's been a frustrating process for all Laker fans. I'm just hoping we can get to that level. I'm still frustrated. I'm waiting for them to make some changes."

Bryant, though, didn't want to elaborate on what changes he thought could be made.