Kobe Bryant is encouraged by the job the Los Angeles Lakers front office has done so far by surrounding LeBron James with a unique support cast that can allow them to challenge the Golden State Warriors, despite a somewhat underwhelming summer in which the front office proved unable to reel in another star.

The Black Mamba explained his reasoning to Extra's Mario Lopez, noting there is merit to doing things differently.

“I think they’re building the team smartly, they’re building strong, physical players, that play the game with pace… what I mean by that is they don’t have players that are one-dimensional, they got players that can shoot the ball, pass the ball, defend the ball,” said Bryant. “When you're building a team with that kind of versatility and physicality, that's something that can challenge Golden State. ‘Cause you can’t beat Golden State by playing Golden State-style — it's just not going to happen.”

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Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder have used a three-pronged All-Star lineup to try and dethrone the Warriors, but fell flat in their face with a disappointing first-round exit; while the Houston Rockets put a three-and-D roster together, also emulating the Warriors' style, only to come close, but no cigar — falling shy of the NBA Finals.

Bryant isn't a believer in fighting fire with fire, especially when the Warriors boast three of the very best flamethrowers in the game — a combined firepower that is ultimately tough to match.

Surrounding James with even more playmakers will allow the Lakers to build their own identity, and while this will be a process, rather than a championship-or-bust effort — it might be the only answer to eventually end this reign of terror.