Los Angeles - In answer to growing criticism that he's shooting too much, the Lakers' Kobe Bryant announced: “I eat first, they can have seconds.” 

 

Then the agita hit the fan.

 

First, Bryant’s Los Angeles Laker teammates demanded he be banned from team meals. Next, Laker management called on Bryant to apologize, saying: “Usually February is a time of sharing.” Then Bryant and forward Ron Artest had to be separated on the team bus.

 

“What kind of a sick bastard always has to eat first?” Artest asked afterwards.

 

Only Pao Gasol managed to stay above the fray. “I'm used to eating later,” the Spanish-born Gasol said amiably. "As long as Kobe leaves some shrimp, I'm cool."

 

“Yikes,” said a source close to the Lakers, who requested his name be withheld, “what a mess.”