Lakers’ Kobe Bryant open-ended on being part of sports ownership group

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant ,24, misses a shot against Portland's Al-Farouq Aminu,8, during the third quarter at the Staples Center.  Los Angeles Calif., Sunday, November,22, 2015.         (Photo by Stephen Carr / Daily Breeze)

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant ,24, misses a shot against Portland’s Al-Farouq Aminu,8, during the third quarter at the Staples Center. Los Angeles Calif., Sunday, November,22, 2015.
(Photo by Stephen Carr / Daily Breeze)

PHILADELPHIA — It appears Kobe Bryant might return to the Lakers.

No, Bryant has not reconsidered his recent announcement that he will retire following the 2015-16 season in what will mark his 20th year wearing purple and gold. Instead, Bryant sounded open about the possibility in having a position with the Lakers without stepping on the basketball court. Bryant also mentioned the close relationship he has forged with Lakers president Jeanie Buss and Lakers vice president of player personnel Jim Buss.

“Me and the Buss family grew up together,” Bryant said, “I would be honored to help them with that transition to get back to the top.”

Yet, Bryant hardly sounded firm on whether he would want to be a part of an ownership group, whether it’s with the Lakers or anyone else. The Lakers have not yet discussed that possibility, according to a source familiar with the situation.

“I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe there is. I don’t know,” Bryant said. “I haven’t had any burning desire to look into it too much. But if I do and feel really passionate about it, that’s something I’ll dive into if I feel like I can be a part of a franchise going forward.”

Magic Johnson had been a vice president with the Lakers before selling his 4.5 percent ownership stake to billionaire season-ticket holder Patrick Soon-Shiong in 2010. Johnson used part of those funds to be part of Guggenheim Partners to purchase the Dodgers from embattled owner Frank Court in 2012. Johnson told reporters on Tuesday that Bryant should do something similar with another sports franchise.

Bryant has already become involved in other business ventures. He founded his company, Kobe, Inc. Bryant also has a business stake in The Players’ Tribune, which was started by former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter as a platform for athletes to publicize their own stories.

“He may thinking outside the box of doing something with his own company,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said about Bryant before chuckling to himself. “But if [Kobe] came and said, ‘Jim and Jeanie, I want to do something with the organization,’ I’m sure they’ll say, ‘Okay.'”


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