Kobe Bryant Hasn’t Recruited Kevin Durant to the Lakers; Not Yet

Like every other team in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers will coming knocking on Kevin Durant’s door when he becomes an unrestricted free agent two summers from now.

Kobe Bryant could be retired by then. Unless, of course, the Lakers somehow convince Durant — who’s a huge fan of the Black Mamba — to relocate to Hollywood.

Bryant says he’ll save his pitch to the League’s reigning MVP for the right time. (When asked if he’ll prolong his career past the 2015-’16 season, Kobe responded thusly: “I don’t know. Maybe.” Enlightening!)

Per the LA Daily News:

But with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant becoming a free agent in 2016, consider him as the Lakers’ top player they will pursue. […] “That’s safe to say,” said a league source familiar with the Lakers’ thought process.

 

So with the Lakers having their sights on Durant in 2016, has Kobe Bryant made an early free agency pitch? […] “No, I think we know each other pretty well,” Bryant said on Thursday at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo. “I don’t think it’s a discussion that you have in terms of coming here. But I think it’s more of an understanding how to play with each other.”

 

Bryant said he “I greatly appreciate” Durant’s comments, but noted his free agency recruiting will have to wait. The reasons have nothing to do with the Lakers (8-17) hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-13) Friday at Staples Center. […] “If the opportunity came up,” Bryant said, “then that’s the time to have that discussion.”