Even if he opts out of his contract this summer, Kobe Bryant says he plans to remain with the NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN.com reports.

Bryant can terminate the final two years of the seven-year, $136.4 million contract he signed in 2004 and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has won four titles during his 13-year tenure with the Lakers, and he could be poised for a new and longer contract if he opts out this summer.

"I'm not going anywhere. I know I ain't going nowhere, so it's just a waste of our breaths just talking about it”, Bryant told reporters.

Bryant turns 31 in August, and he averaged 32.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds during the five-game defeat of the Orlando Magic in the finals. He also averaged 26.8points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists during the regular season.

Bryant wants the Lakers management to bring back forwards Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, who played key roles during the title run this year. Both become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

"Extremely critical," he said about bringing both players back. "Those are pieces that are tough to find. We have such a great team. It's rare that you find a collection of guys that are so talented and willing to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the group. "Now it's just about keeping this group together so we can keep on winning this thing."

Phil Still Undecided about Future

Phil Jackson said he'd like to return next year, but "medical issues" need to be addressed by the end of the month before he can commit to the grind of another NBA season, according to ESPNChicago.com.

Jackson signed a two-year contract extension in 2007 worth about $24 million and holds the option on a second year. The contract contains a date by which he is required to tell the Lakers of his intention to return, but Lakers G.M. Mitch Kupchak said the team is willing to give Jackson the time he needs to see a doctor.

Jackson won his 10^th NBA title this year, and he has not decided on pursuing an 11^th just yet yet. "I have some medical issues that I have to resolve, and I have to take care of those in the next couple weeks before I recommit to this thing."

Jackson reportedly has undergone two hip replacement surgeries since October 2006, and he missed two games last season with pain and swelling in his legs from plantar fasciitis. Jackson reportedly feels that the hectic travel schedule during an NBA season aggravates his medical condition.

"I'm emotionally tied to these guys," he said. "They've embraced what I try to do, and they've embraced the way I try to do it. So that commitment's there. The organization is obviously behind what I want to do, and they've extended that offer for continuing here, so that is all positive.”

Jackson won his first six titles with the Chicago Bulls, and his 10th this year in L.A. pushed him past the nine titles won by Red Auerbach, making him the all-time leader.