Categories: In the Bleachers

The Assist: Kobe Bryant & Phil Jackson have breakfast [photo]

Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson still have a close relationship. Even after Phil said Kobe was insecure and sensitive in his latest book, “Eleven Rings.” The two met up for breakfast last week in El Segundo, Ca. near the Lakers training facility.

The funniest thing about this photo, the other patrons all seem to really into what’s happening in their phones at the moment. I bet they were snapping photos too. I wonder if he’s asked Phil’s thoughts about his approach to possibly having to alter his game.

Speaking of, a report surfaced on Friday stating that the Lakers would allow to Kobe to go into free agency. This news sent Lakers fans into a dizzy. Jim Buss – head of Basketball Operations and the late Jerry Buss’ son – released a statement denying those reports.

“I want to put an end to any speculation that we would allow Kobe to become a free agent,” Buss told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Friday night. “That’s not going to happen. Kobe is a top priority for us. He’s a Laker legend and always will be. I don’t think we’re done winning championships with him yet.

“[Lakers general manager] Mitch Kupchak and [Bryant’s agent] Rob Pelinka have been talking, but with him being hurt, it has slowed the process some. I don’t know when it’ll get done, but I have faith in Rob and Mitch to work things out.”

I doubt Kobe heads into free agency, but it would be foolish to think that how he returns from injury won’t play a role in all of this.

photo via TMZ

Jill Munroe

Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-based host, producer, and writer. You can find her work on sites such as FoxSports.com, EURweb.com, and MSN.com. Munroe is a current member of the African-American Film Critics Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. Munroe has also been a frequent guest on ESPN radio and Yahoo Sports. In 2015, Munroe released her first book, "PostGame Pass: access into "the life" JillMunroe.com