Kobe Bryant: "Pau Gasol is still here and I thank you for it"

"Pau Gasol is still here and I thank you. When you've been in a thousand battles with some players, it becomes very hard to end up leaving," said Kobe Bryant after practice Sunday in Los Angeles Lakers, reports Bostonherald.com .

It is inevitable that the star Angeleno knew the intentions of the upper echelons of the franchise about a possible 'trade' in Spanish . His words sound similar to what Michael tells Fredo Corleone before giving the kiss of death: "You broke my heart."

Bryant himself was quite upset about the transfer of Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a first-round pick in 2012. "I did not like," confessed the Angels to escort Los Angeles Times . "I've known Lamar for quite some time and it means a lot to the team in terms of versatility. Thanks to his personality a lot of weight in the locker room and helps the group has chemistry," he continued.

Although stand against this operation, Bryant defended the work of Mitch Kupchak, Lakers general manager. "Mitch has proven over the years that can build great teams. You just have to trust that it will again."

The weekend has been tough for the franchise angelina frustrated after the acquisition of guard Chris Paul and Pau Gasol out of Houston and Lamar Odom to the Hornets . Many homeowners were opposed to the operation. "I do not think Mark Cuban is complaining now, after having hired Odom," protested Bryant.