I don't care what sport you're talking about. What you see with great franchises is structure - a structure that doesn't just take you from year to year, but day to day.

Hard work does pay, and you just have to continue to work, and you got two guys, when you're talking about Gary and myself, we have a God-given talent, but we worked at it and we're happy to be where we are today.

Kobe enjoys that situation. Stepping up and making the big basket or being involved in a key play.

Growing up, Magic Johnson was my idol. He was a good example. He could always pass the ball extremely well and get his teammates involved.

I think that realistically we can shoot for the title this year. If we stay healthy and be persistent throughout the season, I think we have good chance to go all the way.

When I was a little kid I used to play with guys twice my age, so, I was the last one picked, so if I picked I knew that I had to get the ball to the scorer if I wanted to stay on the court, so that was pretty much my job.

I try to anticipate exactly where my teammates are going to be. Sometimes I look good. Sometimes I look bad.