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Bryant, Lakers make yearly stop in Windy City

Dec 18, 2007 - 2:12 PM LA Lakers (14-9) at Chicago (8-13) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Fans at the United Center wanted to see Kobe Bryant in a Chicago Bulls uniform this season. But he still is a member of the Los Angels Lakers heading into Tuesday's game.

During the summer, Bryant requested to be traded, with Chicago mentioned among the possible suitors for the perennial All-Star. But the teams were unable to come an agreement for the two-time scoring champion.

Bryant has since backed off his demands to leave Los Angeles. One large reason for Bryant's sutton change of heart could be the growth of third-year center Andrew Bynum, who is averaging 11.0 points and 10.0 rebounds.

Most recently, Bryant poured in 32 points and Bynum added 14, nine boards and a season-best six blocks as the Lakers posted a 113-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

"I don't know if (Bynum) gets too caught up with individual matchups or who he's playing against," Lakers guard Derek Fisher said. "Right now, I think he's really just focused on improving himself and continuing to show that he's the real deal."

Los Angeles is opening a four-game road trip.

Chicago won for the sixth time in nine games Friday with a 101-96 triumph over the New York Knicks. Kirk Hinrich collected a triple-double to lead the way.

Behind 60 points from their bench, the Lakers coasted to a 106-78 win over the Bulls on November 18.