The Los Angeles Lakers, who decided to skip training in Hawaii this fall, might not come here in 2010 either, but will "definitely be coming back," a Lakers spokesman told The Advertiser Friday.

John Black, the Lakers' Director of Public Relations, said "several things" influenced the team's decision to skip training here in 2009, not just the inability to acquire specific dates for practices and games at Stan Sheriff Center.

"The economic situation, not so much for us. (But) it is expensive. There's coaches, players, staff, logistics," Black said. "Plus, the length of the season, going all the way to the finals last year and hopefully going to the finals this year."

Adding to the long grind was the 2008 Olympics, where Laker stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol (Spain) led their respective teams to the gold medal game in late August.

"There's been no breaks, so it made sense for us to cut down on the travel. It was better off for us to stay in Los Angeles this year."

The Lakers, who usually hold training camp in Hawaii on a biennial basis, last trained here in October 2007 for about 10 days, which concluded with two games against the Golden State Warriors.

When asked about next year, Black said, "I don't think we'll come in 2010," but added, "we would definitely be back there.

"We love the fans. We love the people. Everything about. There's nothing not to love about Hawaii. Just wish it were closer."