Less than 24 hours ago, Kobe Bryant plainly said that if he wanted a trade, he would ask for one. No media speculation necessary. Well, on Stephen A. Smith’s radio show this morning, Kobe did just that. Kobe said he wants to be traded, and said the Lakers will be able to do nothing to change his mind.

A sampling of quotes from the radio interview:

“Yeah, I would like to be traded. As tough as it is to say that and as tough as it is to come to that conclusion, there’s no other alternative. They obviously went in a different direction in terms of rebuilding. I wish they would have told me that prior to me signing with the team.”

“I just want them to do the right thing, man? They know what they did, you know what I mean. They knew the situation that they painted. Do the right thing, man. You know you were trying to rebuild and you told me something different. I resigned because there was a promise made. You know the blame you cast upon me. They know this stuff. Just step up and do the right thing.”

“At this point, I’ll go play on Pluto. I just want to work hard. I just want to play and just enjoy the game of basketball.”