Yes, you read that title right. There are no typos there. Could a Kobe Bryant return really be on the horizon? Probably not, but there are some rumors that it’s true.
First and foremost, Shaquille O’Neal, the 4-time NBA Champion (3 of those on the Lakers with Bryant) was recently approached at charity basketball game in Los Angeles and asked if he was going to return to the game at the ripe age of 46 years old to play alongside LeBron James. Shaq quickly replied, “no, I’m done,” but then continued speaking and said the following with a smile:
“Kobe coming back, I heard. Kobe coming back, I heard he was. You heard it here first.”
ESPN’s First Take also spoke about the rumors, squashing them for being Shaq’s usual comical ways. The team did mention how for an entertainment factor, having LeBron James and Kobe Bryant on the same team, playing in the same lineup would be massive for the game of basketball. But from a strategic perspective, it doesn’t seem like it would work too well. Kobe can still perform at 39 years old, but his production will be limited and he won’t be playing extensive minutes if he were to sign with the team on a one-year deal.
However, if he were to come back, most analysts believe it would be to help teach and pass on his wisdom to the young core Lakers. Brandon Ingram will be entering his 3rd year in the league, while Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart are going to be sophomores. Meanwhile, Kobe has 20 years of experience with the Lakers to share with the young core. Earlier this week, a video surfaced online of the 5-time NBA champion working out with young Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Tatum also posted a photo to Instagram with the caption “How much does it mean to you” with photos of his workout with the Lakers legend.
It seems that Kobe’s experience, knowledge of the game, and wisdom is still enough to land him workouts with current and upcoming NBA stars, and there is no reason why the Lakers young core would refuse a chance to work out for perhaps the greatest player in the franchise’s history. However, maybe the management is better off just getting Kobe to work with the players in the offseason rather than clearing up a roster spot for him. And while this is still probably all just a dream and will never actually come to fruition, it’s still enjoyable to speculate on just how great Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, two of the game’s best players, could be if they played together.
