Los Angeles Lakers: Does Kobe Bryant Have a Future as a Head Coach?

Can't you see it?

It's 2022 and Opening Night at the historic Staples Center. 

From the wall above Section 308, there are several more gold championship banners hanging and still none for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Towards the left by all the retired numbers, there is one jersey number that is going to be unveiled tonight. 

Fans chant "M-V-P" as the No. 24 with the name "Bryant" is revealed as the Los Angeles Lakers officially retire his number.

However, a new Kobe era begins as Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter says, "...and coaching for the Lakers, Kobe Bryant."

It might sound crazy now, but why wouldn't Kobe pursue a coaching career after retirement? 

Because of his recent injury, Kobe has been sidelined on the bench wearing a suit, but he hasn't been just a spectator. He's been active in team huddles during timeouts, communicating with his teammates and sharing bits and pieces of his genius basketball mind. 

He's essentially been an assistant coach in the last two games leading one to think that perhaps Kobe has a future in the field of coaching.

Several NBA legends have tried coaching after retirement. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two names that come to mind.

Although Magic was unsuccessful during his tenure as head coach, going 1-5 in a brief stint, Bird led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000, showing that superstar players could indeed succeed in the coaching department.

It's clear that Kobe is one of the smartest players to ever play the game. His basketball IQ is supreme and his burning desire to win will jolt energy in any team that he coaches. 

It's not hard to see Bryant as a demanding head coach. Players won't like him too much, but they'll respect him and Kobe will bring the best out of them.

Players will understand the importance he has had in basketball history and there's absolutely no way any locker room will blow up if Kobe's in charge. He's the Black Mamba. When he speaks, you listen.

No ego would be able to go up against Kobe because he might've had the biggest one in NBA history, and because of that he'll know how to handle alpha-male divas.

Kobe Bryant would provide the perfect balance of knowledge and discipline and for that, he'll command an unbelievable amount of respect. Give him a few solid pieces on his team and there's no doubt he'll make special things happen.

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