Kobe Bryant Says Fuck It, I'm Starting My Vacation Now

The that Kobe Bryant has already jetted off to France for a family vacation, even as the Lakers prepare to play the final game of the regular season tonight in San Antonio. That was news to a team spokesperson.

The Lakers have never lost more games than they have this season, haven't played a meaningful game in a month, and Bryant has been relegated to street clothes since December, so I don't really have much of an issue with him skipping out on the season a little early. But I do very much like this nugget from the Times' report:

Bryant has been in a surly mood since the team's fortunes started sagging, muttering under his breath at last month's team photo that he doesn't like associating with a team so many games under .500.

Interesting. Let's go to the team photo:

Yep, seems plausible.

Update: Kobe speaks! (Tweets.)