A two-time scoring champion, Bryant has made it clear he is focused on not only catching up to the Suns but winning championships. Which is why he was upset with the Lakers’ brass when they failed to trade for big-name superstars Jason Kidd or Kevin Garnett in the offseason.

The irony of the situation is that Bryant forced one of the NBA’s biggest names — Shaquille O’Neal — out of town after the two helped the Lakers win three straight NBA titles earlier this decade.

The Lakers, however, seem unlikely to trade Bryant for less than what he’s worth, which was the case with O’Neal.

And because he is in the prime of his career, and arguably the best player in the league, it makes it hard for the Lakers to get fair value for the two-time All-Star Game MVP.

Furthermore, Los Angeles knows that, by trading Bryant, it is not only dealing a dominant player but a box-office giant. In Hollywood, the big names are on the marquee and the Lakers don’t want to remove that glitz.

Adding to the Lakers’ dilemma is that Bryant can opt out of his seven-year, $136 million contract prior to the 2009-10 season. Therefore, if the Lakers do trade Bryant, it must be done relatively soon.

If he isn’t traded this season, Los Angeles must do it on draft day or some other time next summer. Bryant still has two years left on his deal, so the scoring machine is stuck in Los Angeles until Buss decides to move him.

In a perfect world, the Lakers could wait for a year to deal him, ensuring Bryant’s new team that, if they negotiated an extension at that point, he would not leave via free agency.

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One thing is for sure, Bryant’s no-trade clause will make sure he doesn’t end up with a team that is stripped of its talent by acquiring him — leaving a squad like the New York Knicks on the outside looking in on the Bryant sweepstakes.

But three contenders — Phoenix, Dallas and Chicago — are definitely in the mix. The Lakers’ brass would like to avoid sending Bryant to a Western Conference team, so that leaves Chicago as the most likely destination if a trade is consummated.

Bryant in a Bulls’ uniform? He might conjure up memories of Michael Jordan, but his actions have proven he has trouble elevating the play of his less-talented teammates — something Jordan did routinely.

Stay tuned.