Kobe Bryant backs Mike Brown amid Lakers' struggles

Much has been made both locally and nationally about the Los Angeles Lakers getting off to a 1-4 start with such stars as Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash on the roster.

A good bit of the blame has fallen on head coach Mike Brown, who some experts say isn't qualified to coach such a star-studded team. Then in Utah, Bryant was seen looking at Brown with what many perceived as a glare, a "death stare" if you will.

Kobe let his feelings be known on the subject, via ESPN.com.

"I don't give a (expletive) how it was interpreted," Bryant said. "It doesn't really matter to me. I'm too old to deal with that stuff. I really am. I've been (Brown's) biggest supporter. So, I'm really too old to be dealing with childish things."

It's early in the year, but Brown is feeling some heat with a team that's expected to roll into the playoffs and possibly to another championship.

"Guys still believe," Brown said. "For us, that's the biggest thing right now, especially while we're trying to find our way."