4 challenges Kobe should issue to NBA's rising stars
A retired Kobe Bryant still has his competitive juices flowing, and while he can no longer take the floor as an NBA competitor, he still has the name recognition to challenge those who can and have his words carry weight.
As part of his "Mamba Mentality" campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers icon has already issued challenges to the likes of Isaiah Thomas, DeMar DeRozan, John Wall, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Why stop there, though? Here are four other challenges Bryant should give to some of the league's rising stars:
Joel Embiid
Challenge: Play in at least 50 games
We've had a small sample size of what Embiid is capable of producing as a pro, and boy is it something.
The Philadelphia 76ers were 13-18 when he played, and while not great, considering the team went just 15-36 when Embiid was sidelined, it's easy to see how important he is to turning that ship around.
Going from two missed seasons to 31 games to over 50 won't be easy. The last thing the coaching staff should do is push his body beyond its limits, as it may never truly be 100 percent again. Nonetheless, Embiid can't be absent more than he's available if the Sixers have any realistic aspirations of climbing out of the East cellar.
Kristaps Porzingis
Challenge: Make the All-Star team
The Unicorn probably doesn't need much incentive here, as he envisions himself being named an All-Star anyway.
Of course, not having Carmelo Anthony around in The Big Apple after his inevitable move should help his cause, with Porzingis then becoming the face of the New York Knicks - resulting in more touches and more responsibility - once the 'Melo debacle reaches its conclusion.
The Latvian big man was on the cusp of cracking the roster his sophomore year, finishing sixth in cumulative frontcourt voting. Now that Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Paul Millsap have taken their talents out West, a slot has opened up for someone as talented as Porzingis to slide into.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Challenge: End the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff drought
The Timberwolves have the unfortunate distinction of holding the longest playoff drought at 13 seasons, last qualifying in 2003-2004 when they got within two wins of a first-ever Finals berth.
Even with Butler on board, Minnesota is still Towns' team until proven otherwise. With a unique skillset for his size that makes him a threat in nearly every aspect of the game, Towns has it in him to turn the Timberwolves from a pretender into a contender as he continues his ascent toward superstardom.
The appropriate pieces were set in place around him this summer. There's no more excuses.
Lonzo Ball
Challenge: Win 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year
Until the Lakers start digging for gold in the stacked 2018 free-agent class, the young Ball will be the man at Staples Center, with plenty of opportunity to establish himself in Year 1.
Expectations for Ball are through the roof before he's even suited up for the team. The Lakers' offense will be running through his capable hands, but with all the hype his father, LaVar, has conjured up in recent months, the bullseye on Lonzo's back and the pressure he'll soon face will be enormous.
His calm, cool, and collected demeanor will definitely come in handy, though, as Lonzo attempts to lift the struggling Lakers out of obscurity.