LOS ANGELES - Kobe Bryant insisted Friday that he wants to be a Laker "for life," though he still plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer.
Bryant denied a report that he has made it clear to the Lakers that he plans to leave.
"I want to be a Laker for the rest of my life. That hasn't changed," said Bryant, who has been with Los Angeles through his eight-year career.
He said he plans to opt out of his contract to experience what it would be like to be courted as a free agent.
CELTICS: The team requested waivers on Vin Baker, a step toward releasing the center and saving $36-million over the next 21/2 seasons. Baker's representatives said he could play even after missing 10 games for violating terms of his alcohol rehab aftercare agreement.
MAGIC: Forward Pat Garrity, who has played only two games because of a bad right knee, will have another surgery and miss the rest of the season.
ROOKIE CHALLENGE: LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were more than ready for prime time. James scored 33 and hooked up with Anthony for four alley-oop dunks that were the best moments, but the sophomores won the highlight-filled game 142-118.
BOSS P. DIDDY?: Hip-hop impresario Sean "P. Diddy" Combs said he's in talks to buy one of two franchises. Combs said only that the teams are based where he lives. He has two homes in New York, one in Atlanta and one in Florida.
BOL ARREST: Former center Manute Bol was charged with hitting his daughter and interfering with a police officer Wednesday. Bol, 43, also was injured and needed medical treatment, West Hartford (Conn.) Police Capt. Lori Coppinger said.
