The LA Lakers have made a lot of noise during the 2015 NBA free agency season, but they haven’t done a ton of signings. Still, they’ve made some changes and brought in new additions that should help them in the coming season. Brandon Bass and Roy Hibbert are two that are new to the Lakers for the 2015-2016 season, and Kobe Bryant isn’t entirely sure they are the road to success for Los Angeles.
Upon signing their new deals with the Lakers, the media were all officially introduced to Bass, Hibbert, and Lou Williams. According to ESPN , all of them were asked if they had yet spoken with Kobe Bryant, and each of them simply replied with a resounding “no.”
Actually, they were all silent, and then they looked at one another until Hibbert shook his head “no.” They then sat there in silence for a few minutes before Bass got a big smile on his face.
Kobe Bryant had not reached out to the new players to welcome them to the Lakers.
In the upcoming season, Bryant is set to make $25 million and that’s a league high for all players. After an injury ended his season short last year and for the third season in a row, it’s obvious that his relationship with the Lakers is not the best.
The Lakers do have plans to help out some of the younger players such as D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, but they’re doing it with a retired player. Steve Nash will be coming in to help train them and teach them in workouts.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott is looking at Russell and Clarkson as a backcourt tandem that could lead the team for years and years to come.
Under the basket will be Julius Randle and Brandon Bass with Roy Hibbert set to take up shop in the middle. Lou Williams, last year’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year, will come off the bench to provide some great depth.
With most new players coming into a franchise, it’s usually common for the team’s best player to extend a warm welcome. Said player would reach out to them, greet them, and use that moment as a sign of respect and making sure the new guys know it’s time to play together and win.
Kobe Bryant is the best player and leader for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant did not reach out and welcome the new players.
It’s obvious there is a rift between the LA Lakers and Kobe Bryant, and there is some tension to be seen. New players such as Brandon Bass, Lou Williams, and Roy Hibbert are all expected to contribute to any Lakers’ success this season, but Bryant may not be as confident as everyone else seems to be.
[Image via Getty Images – David Sherman]
