Kobe Bryant has revealed if the National Anthem protests were around when he was playing, he would have taken a knee in solidarity.

The NBA all-star talked to The Undefeated as part of its Dear Black Athlete special and said he would have joined the movement during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Back in 2016, Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem - a silent protest against policy brutality and racial inequality in the US.

'I would have participated, for sure': Kobe Bryant told The Undefeated that he would have taken a knee in solidarity with the National Anthem protests were he still playing

Bryant, whose nickname is Black Mamba, said the American flag symbolized citizens' right to protest peacefully, and that he would have thrown his weight behind the action.

The former guard, who played his last game for the Lakers in 2016 after a 20-year career with the organization, said: 'I would have participated in it, for sure.

'I'm sure I'd have got flak for it too, but that's fine.

'Colin's message was a very simple one - police brutality needs to stop. We need to take a look at that.

'From my experience in the locker room, I can't think of any players who I've played with would have had any issues with it.

'I think we understand this is a free country. I think we have the right to peaceful protest.

'And by the way, from my point of view, that's what the flag represents as well. The ability to speak. The ability to voice your opinion.

'And everybody is entitled to that.

'I'm sure I would have got flak for it': Kobe, pictured playing in his final game on April 13, 2016, says Kaepernick had a simple and effective message - police brutality needs to stop

Vocal: Bryant, pictured December 18, 2017, with his family at his jersey retirement ceremony, has been vocal in the past about Donald Trump

'So everybody getting up in arms about it, they're certainly in their right to do that, as we're certainly in our right to protest - peacefully at that.'

Donald Trump demanded NFL franchise owners ban football players who took a knee during the anthems.

His comments sparked outrage from the wider community, and Bryant has been vocal in the past on his views on Trump.

When he was asked last year whether he would accept an invitation to the White House, the basketball icon said: 'I think it's a whole matter of respect and standing up for what you believe in.

'You can agree or disagree with it, I'll certainly respect your opinion because I believe all thoughts should be respected, but I wouldn't go.'

In September, he took to Twitter to voice his concern again.

'A President of the United States whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again",' Bryant said.