The Los Angeles Lakers are headed in another direction after team president Jeanie Buss decided an overhaul of the front office was needed. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are now leading the way for the storied franchise as they try to steer the Lakers back on the right path after four losing seasons and the loss of superstar Kobe Bryant to retirement.
Fortunately for the Buss family and the revamped front office, Bryant is still only a phone call away. Kobe, who attended and spoke at Shaquille O’Neal’s statue unveiling on Friday, reiterated the fact he’ll help if called upon, via Tania Ganguli of the L.A. Times:
This will be Kobe's first trip to Staples for a Lakers event since his last game. I asked if he wanted to be more involved with the team. ?? pic.twitter.com/wi88qLGSNt
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 24, 2017
Currently, Kobe is busy trying to build up his company Kobe Inc. Bryant is determined to be successful in his new venture with his playing days behind him and is solely focused on that goal.
With Bryant putting all of his energy into his new venture, he doesn’t appear interested in having a role within the Lakers organization at this point. The five-time NBA champion is content with assisting when he can if Buss, Johnson, or his former agent Pelinka coming calling for his help for whatever reason.
During the NBA offseason, the Lakers brass will be hard at work evaluating young talent coming out of college ahead of the NBA Draft. Johnson and Pelinka will also be preparing for NBA free agency which gets underway on July 1. Bryant, who has helped recruit free agents and be involved in pitch meetings in the past, may be able to give a helping hand when the time comes.