Kobe Bryant might turn owner of an NBA team, reveals his favourite championship

Hmmm, what’s he thinking?

The 2016 Olympics, Italy and now, add team owner to the mix. That’s what’s cooking for Kobe Bryant after April 2016. Making the USA Olympic basketball team might be a long shot for the future Hall of Famer, despite him being a favourite of coach Mike Krzyzewski, considering his health.

Kobe himself dismissed speculation of him going back to his childhood home, Italy, to play in the Euroleague. So that leaves door number three, and that doesn’t exactly seem a dead end.

According to Lakers Nation, the five-time champion, though tight-lipped, isn’t completely ruling out the possibility of becoming an owner of an NBA team. This tweet from Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell is one of the breadcrumbs:

Kobe asked if ownership of an NBA team is in his future. “I don’t know,” he said. But he didn’t rule it out, said it’s possible.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 1, 2015

If Kobe does indeed choose to become an owner, or part-owner of an NBA team, he would follow in the footsteps of one of his Lakers’ seniors, Magic Johnson and GOAT Michael Jordan, who has a stake in the Charlotte Hornets.

Kobe has made no secret of the fact that he wants to expand and develop his company, Kobe Inc., into a successful and profitable organisation. President of the Lakers, Jeannie Buss, is reportedly taking a step in this direction, according to Bill Oram:

Jeanie Buss on TWC says she "would talk to (Kobe) about" being part of organization going forward "if that's something that interests him"

— Bill Oram (@billoram) December 1, 2015

In one of the numerous interviews following his retirement announcement, Kobe was asked which of the five NBA Championships he holds closest to his heart. After some reluctance, Kobe revealed his favourite ring, courtesy this tweet from Ryan Ward (according to Lakers Nation)

Kobe Bryant ranking championships: “When we beat Boston in 2010. For me that’s No. 1 with a bullet.” via @NBAonTNT

— Ryan Ward (@Lakers_Examiner) December 4, 2015

Kobe and the Lakers’ last championship came in Game 7 against the Celtics, who fielded the ‘Big 3’ – Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Down 2-3 and heading into the final game less than 100%, Kobe made 10 of his 23 points in the last quarter, and was invaluably assisted by Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol.