National Basketball Association

Kobe doesn't think any current Laker can carry his torch

Published Mar. 28, 2016 10:19 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Los Angeles Lakers are about to enter a post-Kobe Bryant era for the first time in 20 years. It's a scary thought. The man helped the organization win five championships and make seven trips to the NBA Finals.

But next season, they'll need someone else to serve as the face of the franchise. Is it D'Angelo Russell, the gifted point guard with surreal vision, pin-point passing accuracy and a three-point stroke that's faster than a lightning bolt? Or is it Julius Randle, the bruising power forward and walking double-double whose main drawback is a faulty jumper?

Apparently, Bryant doesn't think either of them is ready. For that matter, neither is Jordan Clarkson or Larry Nance Jr. (via ESPN):

Bryant said he does not believe anyone on the Lakers' roster has earned the right to carry a torch that Bryant would relinquish after he retires this summer, ending his 20-season career. "No," Bryant said. "If you have to ask that question, the answer is already there. Those are things you don't have to ask. Those things just happen."

This is fair and true. Russell is 20 years old and Randle is 21. Both players have talent, but both also have serious weaknesses in their game, and a combined two years of legitimate playing experience.

Beyond that, Bryant was a truly great player, and it wouldn't make sense for him to "pass the torch" onto someone so young, who clearly isn't ready. The Lakers will be back in the lottery next season regardless of what they do, and it won't be a few years yet until Russell, Randle and maybe even Clarkson are ready to lead them to higher ground -- as Kobe once did.