In recent weeks the hot buzz in the National Basketball Associated has been about superstars changing teams. The biggest name involved in these talks has been Kobe Bryant. For those who have been hiding underneath a rock for the past few weeks, Kobe has made headlines by demanding a trade, taking back his request, then re-demanding a trade a few weeks later. But with all the media attention this story is getting, is there an end result nearing? Will Kobe Bryant be swapping uniforms before the start of the next NBA season? Look at the facts, and the answer is obvious; no.

Because of Bryant’s immense ability and star appeal, the organization he currently plays for, the Los Angeles Lakers, are not going to give him up for free. The team that trades for him is going to have to be able to reimburse the Lakers a hefty sum. The team has already made it clear that any deal involving Kobe would have to bring a star player back to Los Angeles. The team also would likely require young talent, draft picks, and expiring contracts for the future. And as a final rule of thumb, don’t expect the Lakers to deal Kobe within the Western Conference anytime soon either.

Add in the fact that Kobe has made it known that he has a “short-list” of teams to be traded to and it begins to become clear why dealing him would be difficult. The simple fact is that there aren’t any teams in the Eastern Conference on Kobe’s list that can fulfill all of the Lakers big demands. Chicago, previously written as the frontrunner for Kobe’s services, does not have a player on its roster that the Lakers consider a true star in the league. The Wizards, who do have a reputable star in Arenas, have not shown any real interest in Kobe and the feeling seems to be mutual from the other end. So who’s left to deal for him?

The only available option, for now, is a three or four-team deal that would send Kobe to Chicago or New York and a superstar from a third party to Los Angeles. But what team is going to sacrifice their own franchise player to help the competition?

Meanwhile, as actual trade possibilities get slimmer and slimmer by the day, fans and media personnel have grabbed this story and made it into a daily headline on their own. With Bryant in the news with another disparaging comment about his current team seemingly everyday, public debate over the issue hasn’t ceased since Kobe first voiced his displeasure two to three weeks ago.

Inevitably there will be some resolution to this story. But don’t expect it to be Bryant leaving the Lakers. He may play unhappy, he may not play as hard as he can to win games, he may publicly denounce the team every week throughout the regular season, but fans will still pay to see him play day in and day out.

And in two years, when he has the option to do so, Kobe will finally be able to leave the Los Angeles area and choose whatever team he believes gives him the best chance to win. But for now, he is stuck with the Lakers.