HispanicBusiness

Is Los Angeles not big enough for Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa?

The two stars of L.A. sports and politics are apparently locked in very public feud that escalated last week after Bryant snubbed the mayor.

Bryant, according to multiple news reports, was in a huff because Villaraigosa wanted to hop on the victory float alongside Bryant during last week's downtown victory parade.

Bryant, whose ego clash with Shaquille O'Neal forced the center out of Los Angeles, apparently did not want to share the spotlight with Villaraigosa, who had considered running for governor. Villaraigosa wanted a photo op with Bryant, but Bryant refused to get on the float if Villaraigosa was there.

According to a report at www.nbclosangeles.com, Kobe was witnessed saying, "I'm not going to let him pimp my popularity!"

The two eventually jumped on the float - but not together.

Later, Kobe purportedly refused to shake Villaraigosa's hand.

No word on whether the spat was merely an ego clash or whether Bryant has some political problem with the Democratic mayor.

The mayor, whose inauguration into a second term in L.A.'s top political position, maintains good relations with some Lakers, at least. On his Twitter stream today, Villaraigosa "tweeted" that "@derekfisher will be at the inauguration tomorrow!"