(CNN) Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant lent his voice to calls for women to one day be allowed to compete in the NBA, claiming there are female stars who could make the leap right now.

Having been seen with his daughter, Gianna, at numerous NBA games recently, Bryant was quizzed on whether there may one day be a future for her in the league where he made his name.

Speaking exclusively to CNN, the LA Lakers legend said: "I think there are a couple of players who could play in the NBA right now honestly.

"There's a lot of players with a lot of skill that could do it."

Bryant went on to name three WNBA ( Women's National Basketball Association) stars who he believes could make the jump into the men's league.

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