Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant reportedly will join guard Nick Young in trying to recruit free agents this summer. Potential free-agent targets include Rajon Rondo, Goran Dragic and Kevin Love.
While it doesn't come as a surprise, a report from Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported Bryant, who's out for the season with a torn rotator cuff, would be active in trying to lure free agents to L.A.
"Source: Kobe will also be active in free-agent recruiting for the Lakers, including pitches to possible future teammates in July," Bresnahan tweeted Monday.
Bryant's first target will likely be Rondo, whom the Boston Celtics traded to the Dallas Mavericks in December. Although Dallas purportedly is confident they can re-sign the soon-to-be free agent, Bryant admitted he wouldn't stop pursuing Rondo anytime soon.
"No way," Bryant told the Boston Herald when asked if he would stop recruiting Rondo. "I'm not done. I'm not stopping until he signs an extension."
Young has also said he planned to help Los Angeles with the recruiting process.
"This offseason is going to be for us. It's going to work out," Young told reporters on Jan. 19 after losing to the Phoenix Suns, via the Los Angeles Daily News. "... I told Goran Dragic on the court (Monday), 'You might be my teammate next year.' I'll talk to Marc. Me and him are cool. Kevin Love, I'll talk to him."
Dragic is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent in July. Los Angeles will have the cap space to offer him a hefty contract, which Phoenix may be unwilling to give him, and reportedly plans to pursue him.
Although Gasol seems to be a lock to re-sign with Memphis, Love is a wildcard. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward has said he planned to stay with the Cavs, but at least one report in the past indicated he would "seriously consider" signing with the Lakers in the offseason.
It's worth noting the report came while Cleveland struggled, before the team's current six-game winning streak.
