Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has been labelled as the reason why the team is having a hard time landing big names during free-agency and with the upcoming rookie draft, general manager Mitch Kupchak said the veteran guard will not affect their decision on who to pick at the No. 2 spot.
The Lakers are trying to get back on top after two disastrous seasons and are heavily banking on their No. 2 pick.
Strong candidates to be selected by Los Angeles are Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns, Duke center Jahlil Okafor, Ohio State point guard D'Angelo Russell or point guard Emmanuel Mudiay.
But the challenge for the newest Laker will be playing with the veteran Bryant.
"He's never been great with rookies. Rookies have come to expect Kobe's glare, Kobe ignoring him in the locker room and saying things," Kupchak said according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
"We're not going to pick a player because he can play with Kobe, likes Kobe or dislikes Kobe. We're going to pick the player that can have the longest and best career," he told Los Angeles News Group.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott said the rookie must be willing to learn from the five-time champion.
Prospects Okafor and Mudiay shared their thoughts on Bryant's treatment to rookies.
"I love it. I'll be ready for that. He wants to win. Hopefully when I come here, he'll be super hard on me," Okafor said according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Mudiay said about Bryant, "If he steps on the court, he feels like he's the best player. If I step on the court, I feel like I'm the best player. I admire his determination."
Last season's rookies, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, also shared their thoughts on Bryant's teaching relationship with new recruits.
"I soak it in and keep pressing on. It pushes me and helps me get better," Clarkson said.
Randle added, "Just be a sponge and willing to learn. It'll be tough at first, regardless of how ready you think you are. But once you get it and it clicks, run with it."
