I couldn't find a preseason schedule on Blazersedge so I figured I'd post one here:

Kobe would love to play the Blazers in the playoffs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsxX1VMsiWw

The guy asking the questions is from KCAL, not one of our reporters nor a national guy; I'm guessing Kobe has spoken with him before.  The reporter is asking some pointed (but fair) questions.

Body language experts might note his hand practically covering his mouth means something.  I know the classic evaluation is that he's dissembling, but my Sherlock sense is that guy is working through some frustration issues.

Kobe missed shots or turned the ball over the last several minutes of the game.  I've seen him beat us in similar situations in the past.  The fact he was so adamant the ref's did them in is less than flattering.  I would be embarrassed to see one of our guy's using that excuse that played a major role in a loss.

The question to me is if he was really begging to play us in the playoffs or just wanting everyone to know our team does not intimidate him.  In the same way we basically flatter LA with our chants using their name (is there another team we do that for?), consider them our most despised rival and refuse to even spell their name out, isn't Kobe returning the favor a bit by singling us out with this comment?

Just between us, I think he should beware what he hopes for!