Kobe says NBA future would only be in ownership role

Kobe Bryant struggled through another painful performance in another Lakers loss Friday, scoring 14 points on 4-of-19 shooting in Atlanta, where L.A. fell to 3-16.

Unsurprisingly, after the game, Bryant continued to field questions about his post-basketball life, which could begin in approximately five months.

As for whether "The Black Mamba" will follow in another Laker legend's footsteps, Bryant said not to expect the same type of post-retirement life Magic Johnson enjoys.

"We don't have the same personality," Bryant said of Johnson. "I can't go around talking and smiling at people all day."

In the end, it might be the Michael Jordan route Bryant finds himself traversing, as he said Friday that if he does remain involved in the Association, "it would be from an ownership perspective."

For now, 63 regular-season games still separate Kobe Bryant, 20-year veteran, from Kobe Bryant, former Laker. And if Byron Scott has anything to say about it, Bryant will continue to get plenty of opportunities to shoot his way into retirement.