Kobe Bryant’s Leadership Will Be Tested This Season

The Black Mamba shows why he is the GOAT on social media.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant finally responded to D’Angelo Russell’s tweet about the greatest of all time.  To many the tweet is blasphemous, but the 19-year-old is entitled to his own opinion.

Regardless the best part of the exchange is that Bryant responded to second round pick in comical fashion. A good sign that Kobe is ready to take the young players under his wing.

The Lakers have added three potential stars in Russell, Julius Randle and 2014 NBA All-Rookie first teamer Jordan Clarkson. The trio could potentially lineup alongside the soon-to-be 37-year-old in the upcoming season.

In a Q&A with Yahoo sports, Kobe praised the front office for their summer acquisitions. He labeled them as “solid” and actually thinks they can make the playoffs. Moreover he went on to say that the franchise has set itself up for a promising future.

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No doubt referring to the young players, we should all be encouraged that the Mamba has opened up to the protégés. Bryant has been notoriously known to be hard on teammates. We all recall the “soft as Charmin” tirade from 2014 where he lashed out at his teammates during a practice.

I don’t think we can expect that kind of barrage on these young eager prospects. Bryant understands that a lot is on the line. He has said multiple times that before his time is up with the Lakers, he wants to be sure he leaves the franchise in good hands.

Lakers Hall of Famer Jamaal Wilkes said of Kobe meshing with the prospects “I think these young guys will soak up as much as they can from him,” and that “he’ll push them to another level.”

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Former Laker Norm Nixon echoed those words by saying “his leadership is more important than his impact on the court, his presence in the locker room, his work ethic and actually being around these guys and showing them the type of work that is necessary in order to become a champion.”

This simple interaction on social media shows that Bryant is ready to be a mentor to Russell, Clarkson and Randle. We saw glimpses of his teachings with Clarkson last season when he was on the Laker bench. We can expect more of that this season.

Randle said that Bryant was in constant communication with him during his rehab. Per a report from the L.A. Daily News “He checked on me every day and every week and made sure my head was in the right place and made sure I was getting ready for next year.” The Mamba imprint was seen at Summer League when the 2014 7^th round pick was visibly angry with his playing time. His disgust at his play reminded me when Bryant had bad games and how temperamental he was after.

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This will be Bryant’s greatest challenge in my opinion. He has three promising players that he can mold into superstars. Each of them possesses a level of skill that has Laker fans salivating for the start of the new season.

Don’t believe me? Summer League drew huge ratings and the Lakers had a huge part in that. As each player touched the ball, made a move and/or scored, the crowd reacted with load roars and cheers. Laker fans know they might be onto something. Only time will tell.

One thing I know for sure is that the Mamba never forgets anything. This tweet that Russell put out, will make Kobe go at him hard at practice. I hope Laker practices are televised. It’s going to be fun to see these players grow together and learn from one of the best in the game.

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