— Bryant has a no-trade clause in his contract that allows him to veto any trade or receive an additional $13 million from the team acquiring him — similar to an NFL signing bonus. However, if he demands a trade and the Lakers agree to deal him, he would most likely waive that clause.

— The Lakers are a star-driven franchise and would have to get a superstar with near equal box office appeal in return, which severely limits the trade possibilities.

— Any team acquiring Bryant would probably have to give up so many of its best young players that it wouldn't be a contender, even with Bryant.

— Two Western Conference teams, the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, could be in position to offer the most attractive packages. But the Lakers, from public relations and competitive standpoints, would prefer to deal him to an Eastern Conference team.

— Bryant is owed $88.6 million over the next four years, which all but guarantees that any team he goes to will be over the luxury tax figure — $65.42 million for 2006-2007 — which means it will have to pay a dollar-for-dollar tax on the overage. Bryant can opt out of his contract in two years.