Another Buss steers into drama

Johnny Buss, the oldest son of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, sent a bulletin to friends on his MySpace.com page that contained a peculiar reference to the team's nine-time All-Star.

"If you've been following the Kobe drama, I want to let you know it's not really drama

A freelance photographer, Johnny Buss is not part of the Lakers' front office and holds no decision-making authority in the day-to-day operations of the franchise. The Lakers have no plans to trade Bryant, who two weeks ago said publicly he would like to be traded.

Trivia time

Tiger Woods, the top-earning athlete in the world, led Sports Illustrated's 2007 ranking of the top 50 American athletes with almost $112 million in earnings, including $100 million in endorsement income. Rank the following three NBA players in terms of endorsement income: Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James.

Selling his shirt

Bryant hasn't played a game since May 2, but he made headlines again Monday.

The player whose marketing value was never supposed to recover after that night in Colorado once again has the most popular jersey in the NBA, based on sales at the NBA Store in New York and NBAStore.com. The Lakers led the NBA for the fifth consecutive year.

Bryant, who last held the top spot during the 2002-03 season -- the fateful trip to the Vail area was in the summer of 2003 -- overtook Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. James, the Cleveland Cavaliers' star, was third.

One reason for the jump in Bryant jersey sales: A number change: He went from No. 8 to No. 24, creating a new product.

Here's a thought for Bryant after his flip-flopping over whether he wants to be traded. Playing for a new team would sell a lot more jerseys.

Scratch golfers

Eager for some Father's Day publicity, the makers of buji poison ivy protection and relief products warn golfing dads and their sons that a national survey found that 22% of golfers who play regularly have been afflicted with poison ivy, oak or sumac on their arms, legs or groin while golfing.

Groin?

Gentlemen, facilities are available. And wash your hands.

Orange Crush

This from The Times' "Day in L.A." blogger Christine Daniels: