Los Angeles Lakers’ great Kobe Bryant may have retired two years ago, but he should return to the Lakers to play alongside LeBron James and win that elusive sixth ring.

Rings and things

Bryant accumulated many milestones in 20 years with the Lakers, such as winning five NBA titles, MVP, being named Finals MVP twice and making the All-Star team a record 18 times. He even carved his name into third place on the NBA’s all-time most points scored list, surpassing Michael Jordan.

However, one accomplishment the Mamba was not able to achieve is winning six rings to match Jordan, his basketball idol.

The Lakers legend, Bryant, appeared in seven Finals—winning five, including a three-peat which Jordan completed twice over.

If Bryant were to make a return to the NBA this upcoming season, it would mark his 21st as a member of the Lakeshow.

Black Mamba and The King

Bryant and James aka No. 24 and No. 23, two of the best to ever do it, both in Lakers jerseys—that is a basketball junkies dream so good it will make you want to Shmack yo Mama.

Imagine that, two guys who are in the conversation with MJ for the greatest of all time, suiting up as teammates for one of the most legendary sports franchises of all-time in the Lakers. That would not only be historic, but monumental as well.

The two have teamed up previously for team USA’s basketball squad at the Olympics, winning two gold medals in 2008 and 2012.

James recently talked about Bryant, saying, “I wanted to be just like him.”

Although, many fans on the James spectrum and those on the Bryant spectrum have tirelessly tried to pit the two against each other, it’s been evident that the two hold one another in high regard.

Following James’ signing, Kobe said, “I’m very, very excited.” The Mamba also sent out a message to Bron saying, “Welcome to the family.”

Bryant turned 40 on August 23 and James will be 34 in December, so they are on the older side for the NBA. However, both players are renowned for keeping their bodies in pristine shape, so age shouldn’t be much of an issue stopping these superstars from dominating.

Thoughts from Kobe and Co.

In an interview with Rich Eisen, Kobe said, “There’s about a zero percent chance I’ll come back and play.” He continued, “That’s it.”

Never say never. Nobody thought Kevin Durant would join a Golden State Warriors team fresh off a 73-win season—a team that eliminated him in the playoffs the season prior, with the first ever unanimous MVP in Stepthen Curry.

Now KD is coming off of back to back championships with the Warriors.

As Kevin Garnett once screamed, “Anything is possible!”

Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, whom Bryant won three championship with, recently told TMZ Sports “Kobe’s coming back.”

O’Neal is a known jokester, but there’s a little bit of truth to every joke.

The Mamba’s wife, Vanessa Bryant attempted to diffuse the rumor, saying, “Kobe will not” come out of retirement, as he’s enjoying time with his family.

Storybook ending

The Black Mamba went out on his own terms in a spectacular showing, dropping 60 points in his last game and leading his team to a win. It was the perfect Hollywood ending for the flashy Bryant.

He brought L.A. many championship parades down Figueroa Street and the city will forever be grateful.

If he never decides to lace them up again he would be just as beloved. Although, I’m sure the fans who did not get to see him in person would love to have another shot at it.

Since he retired he’s already won an Oscar, elevated his Kobe Inc. business and seen his stake in BodyArmour sports drinks reach $200 million off an initial $4-6 million investment.

Although, he has closed the book on his career, it’s not too late to make a comeback and compete for another championship alongside The King, as the best player in the NBA still in his prime.

Bryant fans would be here for a new chapter of The Black Mamba, this one featuring James as his co-star. Kobe come back, “any kind of fool could see” that you can get your sixth ring.