Kobe advising several All-Stars, says he's 'an open book'
It looks like Isaiah Thomas isn't the only NBA All-Star learning the tricks of the trade from the Black Mamba.
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant says he's willing to bestow his wisdom on any player who seeks it out, with that list already including names like Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Gordon Hayward.
"I'm around for all the guys," Bryant told ESPN's Jackie MacMullan. "Anybody can reach out. It's an open book."
His mentor-pupil relationship with Thomas has received the most attention. The Boston Celtics point guard contacted the five-time champion for basketball advice after Bryant first offered his condolences following the passing of Thomas' sister, Chyna.
"I was happy to help him. He had the courage to ask. I did the same thing with Michael Jordan when I was a young player," Bryant added.
It was during Bryant's rookie campaign in 1996-97 when late pop icon Michael Jackson told him to seek out legends of the game and learn as much as possible. He cited everyone from Jordan to Magic Johnson to Larry Bird to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as those who provided guidance along the way.
Now that he's retired, he wants to return the favor by helping the next generation of stars who will carry the torch for the league.