Coach, Bryant differ in analysis of Lakers.(Sports)

Byline: Combined wire services

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Now that the season essentially is over, the truth can come out.

Kobe Bryant insists that he believed "until the last moment" that the Lakers could make the playoffs this season, but interim coach Frank Hamblen acknowledged Wednesday that he always saw making the postseason as a long-shot proposition.

"This team had a wonderful run, but sometimes you have to pay the piper. Things change," Hamblen said.

Hamblen's tenure as interim coach has been marked by his unfailing honesty. That didn't stop Wednesday. When asked about his biggest disappointment in regard to this team, Hamblen said the …