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Bryant, Lakers set to face Nash, Suns

Nov 2, 2007 - 1:50 PM LA Lakers (0-1) at Phoenix (1-0) 10:30 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) - Kobe Bryant is providing the Los Angeles Lakers with enough drama to sustain an entire season, and they've only played one game.

With trade rumors continuing to swirl, Bryant and the Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday in a rematch of last season's first-round playoff matchup.

Bryant demanded a trade over the summer and the has alienated the entire organization with his continued demands. Rumors in recent days have led Chicago Bulls general manager John Paxson to make a public statement saying that while he has talked with Los Angeles about Bryant, no deal is imminent.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also chimed in to say that his team has had no talks with the Lakers.

Bryant, however, looked unfazed during the Lakers opener, pouring in 45 points and grabbing eight rebounds during a 95-93 loss to the Houston Rockets.

The All-Star will likely be looking for revenge on Friday, as the Suns have knocked Los Angeles out of the playoffs in the first round in each of the last two seasons, winning the best-of-seven series in five games last season.

Phoenix won its season opener on Thursday, 106-99, over the Seattle SuperSonics. Two-time league MVP Steve Nash scored 18 points and dished out 12 assists and Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points and pulled down 11 boards.

The Suns are looking to build on their success from last season, when they were bounced from the conference semifinals by the eventual world champion San Antonio Spurs.