Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Phil Jackson Thinks Kobe Bryant will be on Another Team Next Year

Will Kobe Bryant finish his career as a Laker? Phil Jackson does not think so.

The New York Knicks president, Jackson, who coached Bryant between 1999-2004, stirred rumors that Bryant could be interested in ending his career with another team. During media day on Friday, Jackson was asked for his opinions on Bryant.

"I don't think this is his last year. Might be his last year as a Laker," Jackson said. "I think [Kobe] is going to be better than poeple think."

Jackson believes that after this year, when Bryant's contract is over, he will be receiving offers from other teams.

Bryant, 37, is entering the 20th season of his NBA career. Due to his injuries, Bryant has only played in 41 games over the past two seasons. Despite not being on the court, Bryant is still expected to be one of the best players in the league. General manager Mitch Kupchak spoke about Bryant's progress.

"I know we're going to get a great effort. He [Bryant] looks great. He was here yesterday. We visited a little bit. He's in great shape. He's in great spirits," Kupchak said. "[Bryant] says he's 100 percent. He's been shooting. He's been playing basketball. He's been doing his normal routine in Orange County for six or seven weeks now, so I know what that means. I've watched him work out. I know what he puts himself through."

When asked what would make this season successful, Kupchak stressed the importance of staying healthy.

"I'd like us to stay healthy, I'd like Kobe to have a great year, I'd like our young players to prosper and show promise so we can develop a core going forward," Kupchak said. "I would like to see Roy Hibbert have an all-star year. Anything is possible."

Bryant will also have a significantly better team to work with after the Lakers drafted D'Angelo Russell. Rookie Julius Randle, who has only played in one NBA game, has also recovered from his broken leg injury.

"I hope we can give him a reason to keep playing," Randle said about Bryant. "I want to keep learning from him. Kobe's going to challenge you and push you. If you have a certain fire, a love for the game, that doesn't bother you. He may not always say something to piss you off, but he maybe just says something that makes you think."

The Lakers have also brought back Metta World Peace, who will continue to mentor Randle.