Patriots welcome Kobe as guest at OTAs

As the LeBron James-Michael Jordan debate intensifies with James set for his eighth consecutive NBA Finals appearance, retired Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant opted to take his talents to the New England Patriots' offseason camp.

Bryant was greeted as a celebrity guest Wednesday when the Patriots began their fourth session of voluntary offseason team activities, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Several players took pictures posing with the NBA legend and shared them on social media, including cornerback Eric Rowe. Bryant was at the team's practice and spent time in the meeting room.

The Patriots welcomed Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, Hall of Fame baseball manager Tony La Russa, and others in previous years.