NBA Rumors: Kobe Bryant Prefers To Win Rings The Hard Way

At 41, Kobe Bryant could opt to suit up for at least one more season for the sake of winning another NBA title. With Anthony Davis and LeBron James, getting a sixth ring should be a walk in the park. However, the Black Mamba prefers to win the NBA rings the traditional way and work for them.

Bryant recently appeared at the “Ledlow & Parker” podcast. The retired Lakers star was asked if a guaranteed championship could lure him out of retirement. Kobe shot the idea down and said he did not want to take the easy route to a ring.

“No. No. No. No no no," Bryant said. "I like my rings the hard way. I like fighting for them and earning them. I don't like jumping to the easier route, so I wouldn't take it."

There are select NBA players who have opted to join super teams to win a ring. Bryant already owns 5 NBA titles and it appears he is content with what he has. However, he does admit that the battle between the two Los Angeles-based squads appeals to him competitively.

"It's awesome. As a competitor, this is a competitor's dream to participate in something like that," Bryant said in a report by CBS Sports.

The Lakers and the Clippers are oozing with talent that should be something to watch this NBA season. Bryant feels that it may all boil down to how the coaches (Doc Rivers and Frank Vogel) can manage their respective teams.

"Both teams are great, but you got some great teams around the league, too, that are playing well. What I'm more fascinated to see is how the coaching brings this collection of talent together," said Bryant.

During his playing years, Bryant was undoubtedly one of the most competitive players NBA fans have seen. Those five NBA championships are something to treasure, all hard-earned. And even if he had tried coming back, Bryant would not have had a memorable stint as well. It would be something to see him play along James and Davis. But it remains that age and his past injuries have taken its toll already. He would have spent more time on the bench – something that may not be a pretty sight to Kobe and his throng of fans.