Kobe Bryant 'expected' to take part in Lakers' pitch to LaMarcus Aldridge, according to report

The Los Angeles Lakers are meeting with All-Star free agent LaMarcus Aldridge Tuesday night as soon as free agency begins, and Kobe Bryant is "expected" to be a part of the team's pitch, reports Sam Amick of USA Today Sports. The Lakers are making a huge push to land the big man, and including Kobe in the process is certainly an important factor.

The Lakers will have to sell Aldridge on a quickly-forming young core of talent, the salary flexibility to land additional star talent in the future, and the partnership Kobe will take in the final year of his contract. Including their long-time franchise player as part of their pitch to make sure there's clarity on where the Lakers are, and where they're headed, is a smart move.

There's no word on how involved he will be. Kobe's seemingly been more open to recruiting talent this summer, also reportedly reaching out to DeAndre Jordan to let him know the Lakers are interested. Los Angeles is vying to land either Jordan or Aldridge to add an established talent to their frontcourt, capable of offering either player any contract of their liking -- barring the additional fifth year their current teams hold.

Lakers' rookie D'Angelo Russell hopped on the Jim Rome Show and made his own case about why LaMarcus should come to LA and help lead the fresh crop of talent. What their megastar Kobe Bryant has to say about being a part of the Lakers is what will hold the most weight, though.