LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Kobe Bryant #24 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk from the sideline while taking on the New Orleans Hornets in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Kobe Bryant #24 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant’s best move of the season didn’t come against a double-team, or with the clock ticking down. It came in the visitor’s locker room in Phoenix, when he voiced his displeasure with management for letting Pau Gasol dangle in the trade winds all season.

Except … only the Los Angeles Lakers could turn a show of support into evidence of division. Kobe’s vocal outburst was his strongest statement on behalf of his struggling teammate. But general manager Mitch Kupchak’s response, via a team-issued statement, showed the disconnect between the front office and the team’s star.

“As a former player, I understand how the days leading up to the trade deadline can be nerve-wracking for an NBA player,” Kupchak said in the statement released before the Lakers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night. “Nonetheless, as general manager of the Lakers, I have a responsibility to ownership, our fans and the players on this team to actively pursue opportunities. To improve the team and put us at a competitive disadvantage. Taking such a course of action at this time would be a disservice to ownership, the team and our many fans.”

Full Story: Backing Gasol is Kobe’s good move