Just one year ago Kobe Bryant was about as unhappy as you could be with the Lakers, but now he wants to remain with the team for the foreseeable future, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

"I've always wanted to be here," Bryant said. "I just felt like I was in a position where I didn't really have a choice if they wanted to go in an opposite direction. My legs aren't as young as they used to be, so just let me know. But I love the weather. I love my '63 drop-top Impala. I love the 405 (Freeway), and I love my guys."

When asked about whether or not he'd be open to remaining with the Lakers for the rest of his career Bryant added, "Yeah, I am. Absolutely. These are answers I've given all year long. We have a job to do here, so it's important to focus on what we're doing and not get distracted from that. I don't want any big stories."