This could just be Mark Cuban trolling the Lakers - his Western Conference rival for so many years - but the billionaire Mavericks owner publicly wondered if Los Angeles would amnesty superstar Kobe Bryant this coming off-season.

Cuban spoke at length about the Lakers situation regarding the salary cap, and Bryant's $30.45 million salary for next season, on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's "Ben and Skin Show."

"If you look at their payroll, even if Dwight (Howard) comes back, you've got to ask the question: Should they amnesty Kobe?" Cuban said. "You just don't know, right? It's the same reason I wouldn't get rid of Dirk (Nowitzki). I'll take a hit for a season rather than get rid of Dirk. That's just it. I've made that commitment to him over the years, and he's returned that commitment. Maybe that's selfish, but that's just the way it is.

"So I'm just saying that hypothetically. When I say amnesty Kobe, I don't think they'd do it, but they've got some choices to make. Now, they're in a big market, but they're still limited. The Knicks, the same thing. Boston, same thing."

The Lakers responded and said they did not appreciate Cuban's comments.

"We're aware of Mark Cuban's comments and feel they are inappropriate," Lakers spokesman John Black said in a statement. "As to the issue itself, we will not comment publicly on the amnesty issue as it relates to any of our players."

Los Angeles have not filed a formal complaint, but the league office may still issue Cuban a fine.

(MCT via Getty Images)