Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant made an appearance at the Staples Center last night joining his teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers bench. Along with supporting his team from the bench, the superstar talked about his plans moving forward including working out with rookies Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson this summer.
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On Monday, following practice at the team’s facility in El Segundo, Randle spoke to the media about a number of different things. One of those topics was working out with Kobe in the off-season, via Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:
Randle said he's looking forward to making the drive down to Orange County this summer to work out with Kobe.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 9, 2015
Randle’s first season with the Lakers was cut short after the rookie broke his leg in the first game of the year against the visiting Houston Rockets. The injury was devastating for Kentucky product with the goal basically being to develop him this season.
With the Lakers thinking highly of the 20-year-old, Randle could be the player Bryant ultimately passing the torch to when he decides to walk away from the game. Although they play different positions, the former lottery pick can learn a lot from the veteran guard.
When Bryant spoke to Trudell during last night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, the future Hall of Famer emphasized teaching Randle better footwork this summer. Kobe also praised Clarkson for his impressive play and also mentioned footwork as a point of emphasis for the Missouri product.
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