Lakers star Kobe wows basketball-crazy Philippines

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant wowed basketball-crazy Filipinos yesterday as he kicked off an Asian tour, vowing the defending champions were on course to reach the NBA finals again.

Bryant, named the most valuable player in the 2009 National Basketball Association championships in which his team beat the Orlando Magic, said he welcomed the off-season trade that brought volatile Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest to LA.

"It has nothing to do with the individual players, but how we are going to adjust as a team," Bryant told a packed crowd of photographers and sports writers at a hotel in Manila, on the first leg of a six-city tour of Asia.

Barring any injuries to key players, Bryant said the Lakers were well positioned for another run for the finals next season.

"I think we have the talent, we just have to stay healthy," he said.

Asked to comment on comparisons made by sportswriters between him and Michael Jordan, Bryant doffed his hat to the Chicago Bulls legend.

"It's an honour to be compared to Michael. I learned a great deal and he has taught me a great deal," he said.

But he said it would be "disrespectful" for him to openly compare himself to Jordan or past NBA greats.

Bryant said he would like to be remembered as playmaker who loved to have a good time, with a very good work ethic.

"I just love being around people, having a good time, but once I step inside that basketball court, I am all business," he said.

The All-Star guard ran a basketball clinic for Filipino children and made a donation to a charity.

He flew to Singapore later yesterday before going to Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Chengdu later in the week.