Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant content with life away from basketball

Although some fans may not like to hear it, Kobe Bryant plans to never have a role in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant defines what it means to be a winner. No matter what the man does, it seems like he consistently comes out on top.

Certainly, from an on the court standpoint, this is flat-out undeniable. Bryant was named the league’s MVP in 2008 and has five rings in his collection. Take that to the bank.

However, the five-time champion has achieved a nearly unfathomable success that transcends the hardwood.

Earlier this year, the NBA legend won an Oscar for his short animated film called “Dear Basketball.” The short film outlined Kobe’s obsessive passion for the game of basketball, a passion that developed at an extremely young age. It was a love that carried zero limits.

His loaded trophy case became even bigger last month. Bryant won a Sports Emmy for “Dear Basketball” as well.

Bryant’s clear interest in storytelling became even more evident in recent memory. Late last month Kobe revealed that his first book will be hitting shelves this fall. The novel is entitled The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, a piece that will discuss his psychotic disposition when it came to basketball. His book will also dive into the finer details of the game.

That being said, it seems like Kobe could do well in just about any capacity. It is partially what compelled Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype to talk to Kobe not too long ago.

Among other things, Kennedy asked Bryant whether he could picture ever returning to the league in some way or another. According to what DJ Siddiqi of 247 Sports transcribes from the interview, the mega-competitive Black Mamba did not like the idea.

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"“No. (Long pause) I mean, I’m really happy and I love what I’m doing right now. I love coming to the office every day and coming to the studio for writing and editing and building. I love assembling creatives and giving them the freedom to create. I love everything that I’m doing, so… no.”"

It is difficult to discredit Kobe for loving storytelling so much. Undoubtedly, some folks may be confused by it due to how much basketball consumed his life. Heck, the man used to wake up at 4 a.m. regularly to perfect his craft.

However, times have changed now and Bryant has found another field that gives him joy. The sheer fact that the Lakers’ legend utilized the term “love” several times validates that notion.

The two-time scoring champion continued to emphasize that he is happy with his life away from the game during a different part of the interview.

Kennedy reminded Bryant about the critical position the Lakers are in. Due to how big of a summer this is for the team, Kennedy asked the all-time great if he would be okay with participating in the squad’s free-agent meetings.

"“Well, no. I mean, I’ll call, but I’m not going to be in the meeting. Listen, I’m not part of the organization in any kind of professional way, right? If the players themselves have questions, [I’ll talk to them]… But in terms of being part of the meeting in any official way? The answer is no.”"

It is encouraging to see that Kobe is just a phone call away. Nonetheless, this further establishes that he does not intend to ever legitimately return to the game. Thankfully for him, the former Laker appears to be at peace with his choice.

Granted Bryant never plans on returning to basketball, it says a lot about the man. Not everyone can find bliss in more than one area. Even fewer can boast that they are immensely talented in more than one respect.

Next: Kobe Bryant's Top 10 Games Of All-Time

Some may consider his lifestyle to be a bit atypical. In spite of that, it is nothing new to be completely honest. Bryant has always taken the path less traveled, which only adds to his immeasurable legacy.

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