Lakers GM responds to Kobe's rant

Mitch Kupchak says he must explore every opportunity to improve the Los Angeles Lakers, even if Kobe Bryant doesn't like it.

The Lakers general manager issued a statement on Monday night in response to Bryant's criticism of the club's brass over the haze of uncertainty surrounding Pau Gasol. The 2.13-meter Spanish star is having the lowest-scoring season of his career amid rampant speculation about his departure in a trade ever since the Lakers attempted to move him for Chris Paul before the season.

After Sunday night's loss at Phoenix, Bryant said he wanted Kupchak to decide whether Gasol would be traded or not. Kupchak responded with a terse one-paragraph statement before Monday's game against Portland.