Article: BRYANT: `THIS IS MY TEAM' GUARD SAYS HE'LL TAKE ON GREATER LEADERSHIP ROLE.(Sports)

Byline: Ross Siler Staff Writer

EL SEGUNDO - Even the choice of spot for Kobe Bryant to stand and face reporters Monday at the Lakers' annual media day seemed strangely symbolic.

With new teammates filling every corner of the gym - and Shaquille O'Neal's conspicuous absence - Bryant planted his feet directly at center court of the HealthSouth Training Center hardwood, the man in the middle of all things Lakers.

``This is my team to lead,'' Bryant said. ``In the past, I've done leadership but my leadership has been more in the background. Which was fine. Shaq was the focal point of the team. Me, I just kind of went about leading in a different ...

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