While discussions between Lamar Odom and the Lakers have seemingly broken down, Kobe Bryant remains optimistic that a deal will eventually be reached.

?I?m optimistic that he?ll be back,? Bryant said Wednesday at a news conference in Singapore as part of a six-country Asian tour. ?He makes us a much, much stronger team.?

Negotiations broke down last week and the Lakers retracted a contract offer to Odom. The Miami Heat are also pursuing Odom.