It's not going to have any carry-over effect from a mental standpoint or anything like that. Everything's thrown out the window. It's a new season.

I had some shots that I felt like I should've made; I just didn't make them. I'm not going to shoot the ball great every night.

I'm not changing my game whatsoever,

You guys are going to make your own assessment. I'm not going to comment. We're going to move on and win games. Shaq and I are going to move on and be teammates and win another championship.

[OK, maybe he's not exactly smiling. But Bryant sure seems to be taking his severe ankle sprain in stride. Instead of gnashing his teeth, the 26-year-old Lakers star (and fiery competitor) has sounded philosophical and upbeat in TV interviews.] I think eventually it'll make us a better team, ... It's a positive thing.

One thing you gotta know about me is I have absolutely no filter. I have no problem saying what the hell I think of someone.