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.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
Thunder news: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·

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.