Lakers Rumors: Lance Stephenson claims that Kobe Bryant is still mentoring the team

The latest Los Angeles Lakers rumors are linked to Lance Stephenson, who recently stated that Kobe Bryant is doing his part to help the team.

Since the Los Angeles Lakers offseason started, a staggering amount of Lakers rumors floating around. The latest scoop traces itself back to comments swingman Lance Stephenson recently made.

Fortunately, Stephenson’s comments are ones that should cause Lakers fans to exhale to some degree. That is a definite plus on the grounds that the team’s offseason has not been too pretty thus far.

Frankly, to say things have not been too pretty is a vast understatement. The disunity and confusion within the organization are prominent and is unreminiscent of what most Lakers’ lovers are accustomed to seeing.

However, what Stephenson recently claimed should at least provide a temporary glimpse of hope, if anything. According to TMZ Sports, Stephenson revealed that Lakers’ icon Kobe Bryant remains active within the organization.

Given the team’s current state, hearing that Bryant is involved is an encouraging sign. Per the same report, Stephenson said the following when he was asked about whether Kobe is still mentoring the purple and gold.

"“Definitely, he always comes to practice.”"

While that statement does not delve into specific details, the fact that Bryant is present regularly says enough. The Black Mamba clearly still cares about the franchise that traded for him in 1996.

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Kobe is no stranger when it comes to mentoring players. Joseph Patrick of the International Business Times noted multiple NBA players Bryant has helped out. A couple of those players are bona fide All-Stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard.

In terms of the Lakers, Bryant has been particularly beneficial in the development of youngster Kyle Kuzma. The two have corresponded in the past, and Kuzma has enjoyed the opportunity to talk hoops with the legendary baller.

Examples such as the one with Kuzma demonstrate how valuable Bryant is, even supposing that he is in retirement mode. He can still offer a plethora of advice provided his 20 years of service to the Lakers. Thus, when Kobe talks, it is impossible to not be quiet and just listen to what he has to offer.

Patrick’s report also alludes to another role KB24 is executing behind the scenes. Evidently, he is doing all he can to recruit Kyrie Irving to the City of Angels. In doing so, Irving and LeBron James would be reunited.

Certainly, nothing is a guarantee at this juncture although a voice such as Bryant’s carries a fair amount of weight. Accordingly, it is not far-fetched to think that Irving is at least considering the possibility of leaving Boston. Boston’s season did not go as expected, either, so a change of scenery would not be a complete shock.

Unrelated to Bryant, Stephenson made one more remark to TMZ Sports that is worth mentioning. He and the newly hired Frank Vogel appear to be on good terms.

The Vogel-Stephenson tandem originated in Indiana, where Stephenson’s career kicked off. Therefore, there is a bit of history there, so it is good that the two are already used to being around one another.

What is unknown, though, is whether the Lakers will give Stephenson another shot this fall. He did not exactly have a monster year during his first stint with the team. Nevertheless, the Vogel acquisition may cause them to wonder if Lance would be worth giving another one-year deal to.

Despite Stephenson’s future being up in the air, it is nice knowing that a former Laker remains connected with the organization. Kobe Bryant is a true legend, and, for that reason, any kind of help he gives the team should be taken to heart.