Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant returned to the Staples Center on Sunday night for the first time since undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. Bryant joined his teammates on the bench and also fielded some questions from Lakers reporter Mike Trudell on TWCSportsNet.
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Trudell asked Bryant about working out with Julius Randle this summer. Kobe said the following about what they’ll work on in the off-season:
“Footwork. A lot of it is footwork and timing.”
Kobe was also asked about rookie Jordan Clarkson and his impressive play as of late. Bryant also intends on working with Clarkson this summer:
“He looks great. Playing with a lot of poise. Reading the defense well. For him it is just playing and getting better. Again, footwork. Recognizing defensive packages.”
There’s no better teacher in the Lakers organization to learn from than Kobe and hopefully these rookies soak up the knowledge like a sponge this summer. Clarkson and Randle will have to take advantage of the opportunity to work with the five-time NBA champion as they may not get the chance next year.
Along with mentoring Clarkson and Randle, Bryant will also be very active in recruiting free agents to Los Angeles. Kobe has already openly admitted he’ll be recruiting Rajon Rondo until the star point guard makes his decision in free agency. Other free agents that might receive a call or visit from Kobe are Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and Greg Monroe.
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