Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher claims Kobe Bryant is recruiting Kyrie Irving to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer once he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Boston Celtics. Irving has been more heavily linked to the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, but Bucher says Irving will consider the Lakers as well.

Bryant is Irving's mentor, so if anyone can convince Kyrie to sign with the Lakers and reunite with LeBron James, it's Kobe:

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The Lakers have cap space to sign one max contract player this offseason. Rumors about a Irving-James reunion in Los Angeles have picked up steam ever since Irving revealed to reporters earlier in the season he called LeBron to apologize for how he acted during their time together with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Lakers desperately need another star player next to James. Irving fits that bill and already has experience playing next to LeBron. Kyrie and James won the 2016 championship together over the Golden State Warriors in seven games.

Fans of the Lakers have been asking Bryant to get more involved with the franchise. The organization is currently a walking disaster with Rob Pelinka running the show. If the Lakers can sign Irving this summer, they should be able to contend in the Western Conference next season.