LOS ANGELES -- In early December 2011, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was working out at an Equinox Fitness Club when his phone rang.
Chris Paul was on the line.
Paul appeared to be on his way to Los Angeles to join Bryant in the Lakers' backcourt after the team struck a deal to acquire the MVP-caliber point guard from the New Orleans Hornets.
Bryant said the phone call lasted about 20-30 minutes, and they weren't talking about how many games they planned to win together.
"You know me.