Kobe optimistic about re-signing Lamar

Kobe Bryant said he's optimistic the Lakers can still re-sign Lamar Odom.

"I'm optimistic that he'll be back," Bryant said today at a news conference in Singapore, one stop on his six-country Asian tour. "He makes us a much, much stronger team." The Lakers yanked their contract offer off the table as talks broke down with Odom's agent Jeff Schwartz last week. The Lakers and the Miami Heat have made offers to Odom.

Meanwhile, Bryant said the Lakers' signing of Ron Artest will aid the team next season. "I think Ron's going to be a great addition to us," Bryant said. "It's about how well we play together. No matter how much talent you have, it's about how you put those pieces of the puzzle together."