Scott Gleeson

USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson has reached out to former Laker Kobe Bryant for advice since stepping into his new role. Bryant, who retired at the end of last season, had previously said he’s one call away, but didn’t want to have an official role with the organization.

Johnson had more of an optimistic edge about Bryant’s involvement with the Lakers’ future in a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, saying he will turn to the five-time champion to point out any blind spots and that there’s a plan in the works to incorporate Bryant more fluidly.

“Kobe wants to be a part of it,” Johnson said. “He wants to be involved, and I told him any kind of way he wants to be involved. We don’t want him to come into work every day, no. We just want his expertise and to pick his brain. And also, to show me or tell me what’s missing. So then I can say, ‘OK, hey, maybe I missed that. I’m going to jump on that.’ He’s got great ideas, so we’re going to implement a plan where we can have him involved.”

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Lakers’ brass also intends to turn to Bryant for assistance in developing young players Brandon Ingram and D’Angelo Russell.

Los Angeles holds the No. 2 pick in next month’s NBA draft, with signs pointing to the team taking UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball — one of the most talked about players in recent memory thanks to his father’s antics.

LaVar Ball has said he has no desire for Bryant to help his son, although Johnson could solicit Bryant's guidance over Lonzo should the Lakers draft him. Bryant has mentored several NBA stars including Isaiah Thomas, James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

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