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Are Bulls on Kobe Bryant's wish list?

CHICAGO — The Bulls put Mike Conley Jr. through a draft workout today at the Berto Center, but the Ohio State point guard's real challenge was trying to keep Kobe Bryant out of the headlines.

As often happens with the dynamic Los Angeles Lakers star, Kobe Bryant prevailed.

The Los Angeles Times and Riverside (Calif.) Press-Enterprise, citing sources, reported that in a meeting with Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss yesterday in Barcelona, Spain, Kobe Bryant had reiterated the trade demand he first made three weeks ago.

The Press-Enterprise, again citing sources, said Kobe Bryant, the only NBA player with a no-trade clause, has a three-team wish list that includes the Bulls and Knicks.

For now, the Bulls are working under the assumption the Los Angeles Lakers have no desire to deal their nine-time All-Star guard. That stance is supported by a statement Buss released two weeks ago. Should Los Angeles Lakers management change its mind and pursue trade options, the Bulls, like any NBA team, would have interest.

But depleting the roster of multiple assets like Luol Deng and Ben Gordon to match Kobe Bryant's $19.5 million salary likely would give general manager John Paxson pause.

The Bulls first impressed Kobe Bryant when Paxson and club Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf met him and agent Rob Pelinka in Newport Beach, Calif., on July 6, 2004, the summer of Kobe Bryant's free agency.

Their pitch included the Bulls' philosophy of accountability under Paxson and coach Scott Skiles, the chance to follow in Michael Jordan's footsteps, a growing talent base and the city of Chicago.

Kobe Bryant, who would have had to force a sign-and-trade deal from the Los Angeles Lakers, also was said to be impressed that Bulls officials kept the visit quiet for eight days.

Ultimately, Kobe Bryant re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for seven years and $136.4 million, of which four years and $88.6 million remain. Kobe Bryant also can opt out of his deal after the 2008-09 season, making any deal for the two-time scoring champion a risk.

As for Conley Jr., some might say working out for the Bulls is superfluous, given that virtually every mock draft has the crafty point guard gone by the ninth pick. Olympic gold medalist Mike Conley Sr., who is advising his son, eloquently addressed the Bulls' decision to do so.

"I'm biased because I grew up in Chicago and I would love nothing more than to have my son play here," said Conley Sr., a Luther South graduate. "It's a great organization and a team that's on the cusp of doing special things. It would be a great situation for Mike. It may be an outside shot. But it's a shot worth taking."

Adding the 6-foot-1-inch Conley Jr. to an already smallish backcourt would seem a long shot for the Bulls, even if the Ohio State freshman is the top-rated point guard. But Paxson and his staff have worked out the top three point guards, doing due diligence in case trade opportunities arise with current or prospective assets on draft night June 28.

"The Bulls' style is up-and-down, really guard-oriented and unselfish," Conley Jr. said. "I like that about their team and personnel. I feel I'm the same type of player."

Acquiring a low-post scorer remains the Bulls' biggest wish. Other than, you know, acquiring Kobe Bryant for a song.

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