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Kobe Bryant rules out a return

Kobe Bryant has ruled out a return to the Lakers

Ever since Magic Johnson announced his surprise departure from the team last month, Kobe Bryant has been linked to the vacant president of basketball operations role. However, when speaking on a recent edition of the Ellen Show, Bryant ruled out an immediate return to the franchise:

Ellen DeGeneres: So, can I ask you, were you surprised that Magic Johnson stepped down, was that a surprise to everybody?

Kobe Bryant: Little bit. Little bit of a shocker, yeah.

Ellen DeGeneres: And will you be stepping in?

Kobe Bryant: No. No. Nope. Nope. I’m staying right on the sideline and coaching my daughters.

Following a storied career with the Lakers that included five championship wins, Bryant retired from basketball back in 2016. He has since turned his attention to writing and producing, notably winning an academy award in 2018.