Kobe Bryant Says Lakers Are ‘Building The Team Smartly’ By Adding LeBron James & Other ‘Physical Players’

Kobe Bryant firmly believes the Los Angeles Lakers are making sound decisions with regards to their roster for next season.

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The five-time NBA champion — who turned 40 on Thursday — weighed in on his former team’s recent offseason moves in an interview on Extra TV this week.

“I think they’re building the team smartly,” said Bryant. “They’re building strong, physical players that play the game with pace and are basketball players. What I mean by that is they don’t have players that are one-dimensional.”

The “Black Mamba” continued: “They have players that can handle the ball, shoot the ball, pass the ball, defend the ball. So when you’re building a team with that kind of versatility and physicality, that’s something that can challenge Golden State. ‘Cause you can’t beat Golden State by playing Golden State-style. That’s just not going to happen.”

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The Lakers’ biggest acquisition this year was undoubtedly LeBron James, who signed a four-year, $153 million deal with the team just after free agency started on July 1. Since then, the squad has also added Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson.”

Bryant’s comment about the Golden State Warriors come after the franchise won its third NBA championship in four years to become one of the most dominant teams in the league. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George recently said he believes “super teams” are the only way to usurp the Warriors as the best team in the NBA.

Dozens of NBA players and fans celebrated Bryant’s birthday on Thursday and Friday — dubbed “Kobe Bryant Day” — in several ways, including sharing photos of special Lakers jerseys with his name on social media. The 18-time All-Star spent his entire 20-year career (1996-2016) with the team.

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There are no words in this world that can describe the mad love I have for you. I appreciate you Bean, you have been there for me during my darkest times until today and I hope until the end of times. We shined together in my most glorious times and those are like a tattoo in my heart . I can never repay you back for the unconditional love but I can tell you how much I appreciate you. Those memories we have together, nobody can take that away from us. Happy bday bro, you are forever my #1 brother for life. @kobebryant ❤️??

A post shared by Lamar Odom (@lamarodom) on Aug 23, 2018 at 8:49am PDT

In honor of Kobe Bryant Day we’ve teamed up with the Nike SNKRS App to release the Nike x UNDEFEATED Kobe 1 Protro PE exclusively through SNKRS Pass. Head to Undefeated Chapter Stores in Los Angeles and Phoenix to unlock unique colorways. Tip-off begins at 8:24am. pic.twitter.com/7FVxzHyU6E

— UNDEFEATED (@UNDEFEATEDinc) August 24, 2018

The @Lakers unveil #8 and #24 at the @kobebryant Jersey Retirement Ceremony! #MambaDay #Kobe40 https://t.co/Tiev9EBgvN

— NBA (@NBA) August 24, 2018

Yesterday was Kobe’s Birthday but today 8/24 should be declared the official holiday honoring him. Happy KOBE Day everyone! @kobebryant #MambaDay #Lakers #forever pic.twitter.com/MSRNFN1vfk

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) August 24, 2018