Kobe Bryant, one of the Los Angeles Laker’s all-time greats and future NBA Hall of Famer, has been vocal about his support and belief in the front office’s acquisitions this offseason. He believes that with a combination of physicality and versatility, the team can possibly match up with the Golden State Warriors for Western Conference supremacy.

One of the new faces that the Lakers brought in is veteran Rajon Rondo, who Bryant believes will be a big help in Lonzo Ball’s development.

This is what the Black Mamba shared while on The Rich Eisen Show:

“I think there is a lot to be learned from. Rondo is a student of the game. How he studies the game, I think that’s something that Lonzo can learn from. Rondo will sit there and watch film for hours and hours and hours, and dissect and pick things apart to the smallest of details, and I think it’s important for Lonzo to see that.

Also, how he facilitates the game, how he reads things happening before they actually happen. How he can manipulate the defense to make things happen. And also defensively, he gets after it. So I think it’s great.”

While initially viewed by many as Ball’s chief competition for the starting point guard role, it seems as if Rondo has embraced a mentorship duty for the younger floor general.

The former world champion brings impeccable passing ability, solid defensive instincts, and a grit and toughness matched by few that will surely come in handy when teaching Ball how to run an offense and understand plays.

Rondo is also a good insurance policy in case Ball does not pan out as a solid NBA talent, however unlikely, as he has proven last season that he can still match up with the premier talents in the league.

Bryant, coach Luke Walton, and the rest of the Lakers front office, at least, believe this pairing will work.

Once training camp begins on September 22, this is a side-story we should all be monitoring closely.