Kobe willing to work with any NBA player seeking his helping hand

Kobe Bryant. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Although the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics has ebbed through the years, it’s still unusual to hear about Kobe Bryant lending a helping hand to Isaiah Thomas.

The retired NBA superstar has been known to openly show his tricks to the stars of today, including the likes of Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.

With those he mentored displaying noticeable improvements in their respective careers, it won’t be a surprise if more players would request the help of the surefire first ballot Hall of Famer.

With that said, Bryant claimed he won’t shut the door on anyone who wishes to do so.

“I’m around for all the guys,” he told ESPN’s Jackie Macmillan. “Anybody can reach out. It’s an open book.”

After officially retiring from the game last season, Bryant explored other interests, such as producing his own animated series.

WATCH: Kobe Bryant debuts animated series ‘Canvas City: Musecage’

Still, the one-time league MVP couldn’t steer away from the game completely, as when he helped Isaiah analyze game tapes, after the tragic death of his sister Chyna Thomas.

“I was happy to help him. He had the courage to ask. I did the same thing with Michael Jordan when I was a young player,” Bryant said.

Meanwhile, current upstart Lakers D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram expressed an intent to work out with the “Black Mamba” this off season.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

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