Phil: No Kobe to NYC

December 23rd, 2007, 10:18 am · Post a Comment · posted by KEVIN DING, OCREGISTER.COM

NEW YORK — Although New York was on Kobe Bryant’s list of preferred trade destinations, Phil Jackson didn’t have any encouraging words for the New York media about the Knicks landing Bryant at some past or future point.

Asked if the Knicks were active in Bryant possibilities, Jackson said: “No, there wasn’t a serious issue. That wasn’t a team mentioned.” About New York being on Bryant’s list with Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix, Jackson said: “He’s just being kind to New York.”

Jackson suggested the Lakers would never trade Bryant anyway: “No. There just isn’t any comparable situation, so it’s like a moot point. Itl’s like giving up a diamond for some garnets,” Jackson said, smiling after he had pronounced the word the way Kevin Garnett’s name is pronounced.

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