Mitch Kupchak: Lakers won't jeopardize future to help Kobe Bryant

It's nearing the start of a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In speaking to the press Friday, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak spoke about the direction of his team going forward, in essence saying they intend to build a new core instead of focusing on building around Kobe Bryant, as relayed by Mike Trudell of TWC Sportsnet.

Bryant is out for the season with a torn rotator cuff and has one season remaining at $25 million next year, at which time he'll be 37 and nearing the end of his illustrious career.

Kupchak's comments are significant because Los Angeles is slated to have a sizable amount of spending power and will likely chase star free agents to help improve upon a miserable 13-40 season this season.

However, building for the future could also imply the Lakers will rebuild, something that will significantly undercut Bryant's chances at a sixth championship. If that's to be the case, Bryant will likely speak out in response to Kupchak's intentions.

For the time being though, the two parties have yet to connect.