http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2577904 According to multiple reports, including the Los Angeles Times, Bryant will remain with the Lakers, signing a seven-year contract worth around $136 million. The Clippers were the other team in the running for the embattled superstar, and they could only offer Bryant a six-year deal worth about $100 million. The signing was helped by the trade of Shaquille O'Neal to the Heat on Wednesday. Bryant, who turns 26 next month, joined the Lakers in 1996 - the same year O'Neal was signed as a free agent. The pair feuded at times, but as one of the top 1-2 punches in NBA history they led the Lakers to three championships (2000-02) and a berth in the finals this year, where they lost to the Detroit Pistons in five games. Two days later, at a season-ending news conference on June 17, Kupchak said the Lakers would do whatever possible to re-sign Bryant and wouldn't trade him under any circumstances. When asked about possibly trading O'Neal, Kupchak left the door open. The day after that, O'Neal demanded a trade; Phil Jackson was told his days as coach of the Lakers were over; and as expected, Bryant opted out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent. Considering the differences Bryant had with O'Neal and his disdain for Jackson's structured offense, the moves involving O'Neal and Jackson were thought by many to have been made to placate Bryant. Bryant will stand trial for felony sexual assault beginning Aug. 27 in Eagle, Colo. If he is found guilty, he could serve four years to life. In that event, the Lakers would not be liable for the entirety of the contract, and NBA sources told the Los Angeles Times that the league would not allow a deal in which Bryant was paid if in prison. --

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