Kobe Bryant retirement rumors: Gregg Popovich wants guidance for Kawhi Leonard

Kobe Bryant and Gregg PopovichReuters

Just a couple of days ago, Kobe Bryant bared he would love to mentor Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This came after Bryant's match with the T-Wolves and somehow, that gave an inkling of what Bryant plans to do next.

Now, days after, another rising star could be lining up for special one-on-ones — Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

Everyone knows how Leonard has risen from the ranks but there is obviously still a lot of improvement that can be done. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has done a marvelous job, but the fact remains that more heads are better than one.

So why not ask Bryant if he would be interested in honing the skills of Leonard? With a colorful National Basketball Association (NBA) career, Bryant could help Leonard improve some of his hops and improve on certain departments of his game.

After that conversation between Popovich and Bryant, it seems that such will indeed be happening. Bryant seems excited about the idea and now he technically has three players lining up for some aid.

Could there be more? It won't be surprising.

Bryant is winding down his career, but one cannot help but notice the sudden offensive flurry that he has been showing. Bryant seems to have regained his old form, although it may hardly indicate that he would recall his decision to retire.

The best way to look at it is Bryant simply wanting to exit in style and leave a lasting impression with his final NBA season.

Once the season is over, it wouldn't be surprising to see an emotional Bryant and Lakers club once the final buzzer sounds. But then again, that horn signals a new beginning — Kobe Bryant the mentor.

It will likely be a busy offseason for the Black Mamba, a new tenure which he seems pretty eager to embark on.