Although Kobe Bryant apparently would like to join the Bulls, Chicago GM John Paxson sent a message to the Lakers' superstar on Monday: Don't count on it.

Paxson said he has had no discussions with the Lakers and a deal would be difficult to complete.

"What we would have to give up -- unless that franchise would ever have a change of heart and had to do something -- I don't know how that would work," he said. "They've got one of the top, maybe the top, talents in the league. What we would have to do to get there, I don't even know what it would be. It would be significant. And then, are we better?"