Kobe to the Knicks?

HOUSTON -- Color me skeptical, but here's the key paragraph from Ken Berger's blog at CBSsports.com: "There's a greater chance he crosses the country and goes to New York than he crosses the hallway and goes to the Clippers," one (NBA) executive said. "He can use the Clippers all he wants, but he's not going to the Clippers -- unless he gets to pick his own coach and GM or something like that. I had no inkling that he would leave the Lakers last summer. Now, New York could be a legitimate option. I wouldn't rule it out."

First of all, I believe Phil Jackson will return to coach the Lakers next season, whether they win a second straight NBA championship or not. Second, I think Bryant will receive a contract extension at some point in the not-too-distant future, ruling out the possibility that he would terminate his contract July 1 and become a free agent. Third, why the Knicks? It would be like going back in time for Bryant, back to the days when he was surrounded by a lackluster supporting cast. Why would he do it?