Bryant to Knicks? Not Quite

Although Kobe Bryant publicly has insisted he would opt out of his Laker contract to sign a longer-term deal with the Lakers, Bryant told the New York Post he would talk to the New York Knicks when the free-agent negotiating period opens July 1.

Asked specifically about a possible meeting with Knick President Isiah Thomas, Bryant was quoted between games of the NBA Finals as saying, “I’ll be there.... If he invites me, I’ll be there.”

The Knicks have only the midlevel exception -- about $5 million -- to offer Bryant and little, if anything, to offer in a sign-and-trade deal. If Bryant is acquitted in his felony sexual assault trial, he could recoup some of his lost salary in endorsements and other financial ventures in New York.

For months, some teammates have predicted that Bryant would be lured by New York, where he could leave Phil Jackson and Shaquille O’Neal and have his own team in a major market. The Clippers also seem to intrigue Bryant, whose agent last summer was overheard telling Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy, “Save that cap space.”

The Lakers will offer Bryant more years and money than any other team, along with owner Jerry Buss’ loyalty. Bryant can sign a seven-year deal with the Lakers, only six elsewhere. The Lakers will offer annual increases of 12.5%, with a starting salary of 30% of the salary cap, which has not been established for next season.

Other organizations can offer contracts of six years with annual increases of 10%.

Bryant’s intentions are a difficult read. He has told teammates he could continue playing beside O’Neal and for Jackson, despite their differences in basketball philosophies. They’ve also heard him talk about leaving, once in a locker-room rant while waving a morning newspaper that contained a quote critical of his play.

“The question was, ‘If Isiah called you, would you listen?’ ” Bryant said Wednesday. “I said, ‘Yeah.’ I don’t know how it got spread into me and Isiah having a meeting.

“I’d listen. I don’t know about being eager or having some meeting set up. I don’t know anything about that.”

He has made similar observations this season when asked about other NBA cities, among them Denver, Phoenix, Memphis and San Antonio.

“That’s what I’ve said all along,” he said. “No different.”

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Laker assistant Jim Cleamons said he hoped to contact Ohio State Athletic Director Andy Geiger about becoming the school’s basketball coach. Cleamons’ alma mater fired Jim O’Brien on Tuesday, citing NCAA violations.

“I’m definitely interested,” Cleamons said.

Cleamons also would be among the candidates to replace Jackson, whose contract expires when the season ends.

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Game 3 tonight at Auburn Hills, Mich., will be shown on the big screen at Staples Center. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 13 and under.

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Best-of-seven series tied, 1-1

GAME 1 Detroit 87, at Lakers 75

GAME 2 at Lakers 99, Detroit 91 (OT)

GAME 3 Tonightat Detroit6 p.m.Channel 7

GAME 4 Sundayat Detroit6 p.m.Channel 7

GAME 5 Tuesdayat Detroit6 p.m.Channel 7

GAME 6 *June 17at Staples Center6 p.m.Channel 7

GAME 7 *June 20at Staples Center6 p.m.Channel 7

*if necessary; times PDT