Lakers are 'a better team'

Comments made by Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss about Kobe Bryant in Thursday's editions of The Times triggered a deluge of reader interest in the future of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was obvious during Buss' 38-minute interview that he had a lot to say about the team and Kobe Bryant, given the tumult that had occurred since the player's trade demand in May.

In addition to more of his thoughts on Kobe Bryant, Buss also expressed opinions on his son, Jim, his daughter, Jeanie, and 19-year-old center Andrew Bynum.

* Buss on why Kobe Bryant might be frustrated playing for the Los Angeles Lakers:

"I think what he's thinking is, 'Let me play basketball with some people I know I can win with.' When he's on the All-Star teams and all these things, I can imagine how it must feel for him -- everybody catching the passes and everybody just doing everything right. It is frustrating. It must be more frustrating for him playing than it is for me."

* On Kobe Bryant's expected demeanor this season:

"He's a professional and he's a realist. I think he understands what we're up against. He is aware of different [trade] suggestions and how ridiculous they would have been. Like I say, he's a realist and he's a professionalist when it's time to play ball."

* On Andrew Bynum, who is beginning his third year with the Los Angeles Lakers:

"There are times where he certainly seems like he could just dominate, and there's other times I realize he's only 19. I'm not that much of a prophet. I like to think he's going to be sensational. He certainly seems to have all the physical abilities. He's got the body. His arms are longer than imaginable. His shooting percentage [is] good, he hits his free throws. How long should we give him? A couple more years and then make a critique, I guess."

* On Jim Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers' vice president of player personnel:

"He came to me and said, 'We have to take [Ronny] Turiaf.' The consensus of the scouting was a different player. I said, 'I'm going to go with you, Jim.' The other player, incidentally, has not done that well.

It was his choice for Andrew Bynum. Jim was the one who brought Coby Karl to camp. Thus far, I'd say he's done a pretty good job.

He gets along well with Mitch [Kupchak]. Actually, I think he and Phil [Jackson] really have one of those relationships where they like to pick on each other somewhat, but they certainly have respect for each other. I know Jimmy is crying to get him under contract for the future, as we all are. There's just no question."

* On Jeanie Buss, team executive vice president of business operations:

"Jeanie handles the business end of it and she's obviously done an incredible job. She's making me rich. She also is a great, great public figure for the Laker enterprise."

* On his outlook for this season's Los Angeles Lakers:

"I think this is a better team than we had last year. I think any time you can win 50 games, you're a contender. You definitely have a chance at that point. . . . I think if we're healthy, that we're capable of 50-plus games. I really do."

* On being a historically successful franchise:

"When it comes to winning, I don't think there's ever enough. It's kind of like popcorn in an exciting movie -- you want more all the time."

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