Life In The Nba Not A Big Change For Bryant

Around the NBA

Kobe Bryant’s eyes said it all.

He was staring at Shaquille O’Neal, looking like a child seeking an autograph who can’t believe Shaq is right in front of him.

The look was a mix of bewilderment, envy and idol worship. Call it the “I can’t believe Shaq is my teammate” stare.

It happened last Tuesday during a timeout in the Los Angeles Lakers’ third game of the season. O’Neal was on the bench during a huddle and Bryant was standing on the perimeter, his disbelieving eyes riveted on his $120 million teammate.

It was a brief snapshot of what life has become for the 18-year-old rookie, the youngest player ever to appear in an NBA game.

“Daddy Shaq looks after him,” coach Del Harris said. “But he doesn’t seem too aware of his age. Kobe seems like he’s already seen it all at age 18.”

Said O’Neal: “I’ve seen him do some things that I haven’t seen in a long time. He’s going to be nice.”

Bulls, Rockets stay unbeaten

Michael Jordan scored 27 points and Toni Kukoc added 21 as the Chicago Bulls improved to 6-0 for the first time in team history by beating the Boston Celtics 104-92 Saturday night.

Hakeem Olajuwon scored 17 of his 38 points in the fourth period to keep the Houston Rockets unbeaten after six games with a 91-85 win over the Utah Jazz.

Around the league

Golden State’s Donyell Marshall has asked to be traded. He didn’t have to ask. The Warriors would love to dump Marshall, who averaged 5.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and shot 39.8 percent from the field for a mediocre Warriors team last season. The problem is there’s not a big market for a forward with those numbers and seven years remaining on a $42.6 million contract.

Washington’s Juwan Howard emerged during Chris Webber’s absence last season. He played so well that some argue Howard is the better player of the two.

That argument should be laid to rest this season. Howard is one of the best young players in the league. But if Webber remains healthy - something he has been unable to do the past two seasons - he is clearly the superior athlete. Webber gave Bullets’ fans a glimpse of what could be in store when he had 22 points and 21 rebounds in Wednesday’s victory over San Antonio.