Brandon Ingram, Kobe Bryant
Apr 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers centre DeAndre Jordan (6) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 115-104. USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is open to the idea of working out with rookie Brandon Ingram this offseason. The Lakers drafted Ingram with the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft with hopes that the lanky forward will eventually succeed Bryant as the team's new franchise player.

During his rookie season, Ingram averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists from 79 games including 40 starts. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, the 6-foot-9 forward struggled to cope with the physicality of the NBA game. Many analysts feel Ingram is still 20 pounds away from becoming a starting calibre player in the highly-competitive league.

In a telephone interview to The Orange County Register, Bryant spoke about life after basketball, his recent adventures in the film room and the future of the Purple & Gold. When asked if he has scheduled any workouts with Ingram, Bryant said: “I don’t know, honestly. I’m always around. Guys call me all the time, even guys that are still playing in the playoffs.

Kobe Bryant: 'I am always around'

"They reach out to me and ask for some advice on certain things or ask me to take a look at some things here and there. I’m always around. So if he wants to come (down) and work out, he has my cell obviously. I’m sure he’ll reach out at some point and come (down) to O.C. and we’ll get a workout in. It’s no problem," said Bryant, who retired at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season.

Bryant, who helped the Lakers capture five NBA championships, signed off in style on April 13, 2006 during the regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz. That night, "The Black Mamba" scored an amazing 60 points in 42 minutes, giving Lakers fans at Staples Center an apt parting gift. “It’s kind of this roller coaster ride that is a never-ending one. But it is about finding acceptance in those difficult times and understanding that the great times don’t last.”

After February's All-Star break, Brandon Ingram averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists from 32.1 minutes per game while shooting an impressive 47 percent from the field.