Kobe: Lakers shouldn't need me to recruit for them

Kobe Bryant is happy to see his former club land superstar free agents, as long as he doesn't have to play a role.

The retired Los Angeles Lakers icon recently sat down with ESPN's Jalen Rose and spoke on the team's potential to recruit talent during the offseason. Bryant feels the history of the franchise should be enough to entice players to don the purple and gold.

"The thing about this franchise is that you shouldn't need recruiting to come here," Bryant said. "It takes a special person to want to play for this franchise and take the pressure that comes along with playing for this franchise.

"The pressure of following Magic's footsteps and myself and the dynasty that we've had, it takes a special person to do that. And if I need to convince you to come here, to carry that legacy forward, you ain't the one to be here."

Los Angeles will have more than just its history to use as bargaining power this summer, though. After trading away Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the deadline, the Lakers have the financial room to add one player on a max deal in the offseason, with the potential to open up another slot if they renounce their cap holds on upcoming free agents Brook Lopez, Kentavious Caldwell Pope, and Julius Randle, to name a few.

Bryant, who had both his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired by the Lakers in December after winning five championships with the organization over 20 seasons, expects whoever the team signs to bring them more of the same.

"When you're here, the most important thing is winning championships," he said. "I don't care about anything else. It's winning championships.

"You don't have to like each other, but you will show up to practice every day and play hard, you will focus and commit to winning, and you know, if that's the case, then you'll be just fine."