Kobe Bryant Tells Loose Cannons: "Me Being Out... Gave Them the Ability to Trust Themselves"

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2012 -- Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant joined FOX Sports Radio's Loose Cannons yesterday, and talked about his temporary coaching role while his injuries heal and when he plans to return to the lineup. He also wished Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a happy birthday. Below are highlights from Bryant's conversation with Loose Cannons hosts Pat O'Brien, Steve Hartman and Vic "The Brick" Jacobs, in addition to an audio link.

On Coaching

O'Brien: "Everybody's, you know, getting their shots and getting it done. You look like you're coaching the team, but I'm not going to say that..."

Bryant: "I mean, it's part of learning how to win a championship, which I've been fortunate enough to do five times...I think me being out, what it helped me to do, is it helped me to see where these guys want to have the ball in certain situations and it also gave them the ability to trust themselves."

Jacobs: "When will you return to the lineup? Will it be tomorrow against the Spurs?"

Bryant: "We'll see man...The beautiful thing is that there's really no rush, right? Because, you know, we're playing very well...this is the first time ever in my career where I've, you know, had the opportunity to kind of take my injuries and really be methodical with them and let them heal, and get ready for the post-season run."

On Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Birthday

O'Brien: "It's Kareems' 65th birthday. Any wishes for him?"

Bryant: "Man! Happy birthday to the great one, man... Hopefully we'll see him getting his statue out in front of the Staples Center sometime soon 'cause that's extremely well deserved."

Click here http://bit.ly/I14wWp to listen to the interview in its entirety.

About Loose Cannons

Starring Pat O'Brien, Steve Hartman and Vic "The Brick" Jacobs, Loose Cannons features the latest news and information, analysis and interviews from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Together, these three broadcast veterans take listeners through the headlines, the scandals, and the thoughts on every guy's mind. The show, which was previously known as Hartman & Friends, is nationally syndicated by FOX Sports Radio and airs Monday through Friday on nearly 200 stations from 3 - 7 p.m. ET/ 12 - 4 p.m. PT. For more information, please visit www.loosecannonsshow.com.

Amanda Deutchman
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
FOX Sports Radio
Phone: (818) 461-8289
Email: adeutchman@premiereradio.com