The Lakers gave him tremendous support during that time ... and he will be forever grateful. He is very close to Mitch Kupchak, who has been an unbelievable friend to him, he is a big fan of [Coach] Phil [Jackson], he's a very popular guy in the locker room and he loves it in Los Angeles. That all makes it very difficult to leave, but that being said, he's in the business of basketball and he wants to be the best player he can become.

















