Kobe Bryant may have spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, but that doesn't mean he was never tempted by free agency.
The five-time NBA champion recently spoke about Kevin Durant, who is one of the most highly coveted free agents set to hit the market on July 1. The Black Mamba said he believes KD should do his "due diligence" before deciding where to go.
"You've just got to look at it holistically," Bryant told For The Win. "What does he want out of his career, what opportunities present themselves, even I -- when I was a free agent -- I did my due diligence, I looked at every opportunity and I left no stone unturned, so you have to vet those things,"
Durant, 27, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Thunder after being drafted in the second round by them back when they were the SuperSonics based in Seattle. He is a seven-time All-Star and won the MVP Award in 2013.
Following the Thunder's 96-88 defeat at the hands of the Warriors in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Monday, the storylines shifted to Durant's future. Oklahoma City blew a 3-1 series lead and missed out on reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
Bryant, who retired this past season and put up 60 points in his farewell game, is friends with Durant, but doesn't necessarily think he needs to follow in his footsteps unless he feels remaining with the same team is what's best for his career.
"I was just very fortunate things worked out for me in Los Angeles, but he certainly needs to look at every opportunity and make the right decision for himself -- keeping in mind his fan base in Oklahoma, as well," Bryant said.
Durant, who had a game-high 27 points in the Game 7 loss and averaged 28.4 points per game throughout the playoffs, wasn't ready to face free agency after the defeat.
"To be honest, I promise you I haven't thought about that," Durant told USA Today Sports after Game 7. "It's hard to think about that. Especially right now, especially when you're battling every single day. It's hard. Give me a couple weeks and talk to me then, but I just don't know right now, man."
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