Expect Lakers to do this some more

FROM ORLANDO, FLA. — OK, Mr. Elusive Man, here's the deal.

I asked it. You said it. I'm holding you to it.

It was late in Saturday's news conference when the topic of Kobe Bryant's future arose.

Maybe it was because he was in a good mood, or maybe it was because he was trying to deflect attention from that awful purple sweat thing he was wearing, but Bryant actually played along.

A questioner reminded him that he could terminate his contract after this season

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Bryant said, laughing.

The same questioner reminded him that it would soon be a topic.

"It won't be a topic," Bryant said. "Won't be an issue."

The questioner asked him to elaborate.

"No," Bryant said. "That's exactly why it won't be an issue."

It was my turn. I first accused Bryant of bringing up the subject, and he laughed again.

"I didn't bring it up," he said. "I deflected."

Then I asked the only question on this subject that I figured he might answer.

I asked, could you imagine playing for anyone else besides the Lakers next year?

"No," he said.

Bingo. That's enough for me, and should be enough for the Lakers.

Unless Lakers officials somehow botch the negotiations for the new deal Bryant will demand after opting out of his contract -- and they won't, they love Kobe -- then Bryant will be around to attempt another three-peat.

As if that wasn't enough of a Finals day-off hint, Bryant also pretty much counted Phil Jackson along for the ride.

"I've been spoiled my whole career playing with Phil, it's hard to imagine playing for anybody else, obviously," Bryant said.

When asked whether Jackson was thinking about retiring after passing Red Auerbach and becoming the NBA's all-time coaching leader with 10 championship rings, Bryant smiled.

"I don't think -- I think he's just more amused by everybody thinking that he's thinking that, if that makes any sense," he said. "He's really just in the moment."

It's a moment the Lakers should savor, sitting here with a historically insurmountable three-games-to-one lead over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.

If the Lakers are able to close this out -- and my guess is that it will happen tonight here against a Magic team that is frustrated to distraction -- it has become clear that their journey is only starting.