Accepting (Kobe) Bryant’s explanation for what’s gone wrong in Laker Land would be cutting corners again. It’s not that simple — especially because Bryant hedged on his claim for the blame, indirectly dragging management into it.

“Unless they’re going to do something roster-wise, I got to continue to push through it,” Bryant said. “If this is what we’re rolling with, then I can’t make excuses. I got to go out there and do my job.”

The statement was unprovoked. No reporter asked Bryant about the Lakers needing to make a trade or sign a free agent.

via Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles