Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss has defended Kobe Bryant by branding any player who doesn't want to play with him a "loser".

An ESPN The Magazine feature published earlier this week suggested that several free agents and NBA personnel believe that the Lakers have been unable to attract top talent in free agency because of Bryant.

"Any free agent that would be afraid to play with Kobe Bryant is probably a loser, and I'm glad they wouldn't come to the team," Buss said on SportsCenter.

"I read the story. I don't agree with any of it. If there is somebody that's on our payroll who is saying things like that, I'll soon get to the bottom of it, and they won't be working for us anymore."

Bryant, 36, signed a two-year extension with the franchise last year and he is now the highest-paid player in the league.

Written by
Sumeet Paul