While still an integral part of Los Angeles Lakers history, icon Kobe Bryant won't take part in free agent meetings with the likes of LeBron James or Paul George, two superstar players the organization has set its eyes on since the end of the 2016-17 season, when the front office was revamped.
In an interview with Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, Bryant said he'd help out the organization in some other ways and share his experience on playing in L.A. for 20 years, but won't be present in their actual business conversations.
“Well, no. I mean, I’ll call, but I’m not going to be in the meeting,” said Bryant. “Listen, I’m not part of the organization in any kind of professional way, right? If the players themselves have questions, [I’ll talk to them]. Or if the Lakers want me to reach out and call a player or something like that – if they want me to talk to the player and give my two cents on what it was like to play here and what this market is like – I’ll certainly do that. But in terms of being part of the meeting in any official way? The answer is no.
But Rob and Magic both have great flexibility when it comes to the cap and they have great young talent. And I’ve known Rob for a long time; this dude is as smart as they come, so he’ll figure it out.”
The Lakers are still considered to have the best shot to reel in James in the offseason, with George likely following soon after as the second cog to fall in place, if all goes according to plan.
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