SO, IS N.B.A. LIFE TOUGH ... AT 18 YEARS OLD?

          KOBE BRYANT was featured by Pat Jordan in the N.Y.
     TIMES MAGAZINE under the header: "How Do You Like The N.B.A.
     Now, Kobe Bryant?" Jordan notes that although Bryant is
     "trying to become a media star," he "never seems to connect
     with people.  His charm is linear and superficial, more
     persona than personality."  Lakers coach Del Harris, on
     Kobe's parents' influence: "His protective parents are maybe
     a plus with him, but they don't give him a chance to
     develop.  He has such an entourage.  His parents, his N.B.A.
     agent, his theatrical agent.  I wish he'd just let down,
     relax and laugh" (N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE, 1/19).