Kobe Bryant? In the Big3? Yes, suggests co-founder

Kobe Bryant won't be able to resist the competition, and the Los Angeles Lakers legend will return to basketball ... in the Big3 next season.

That's according to league co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz, who was speaking on the league's weekly conference call, as reported by

Kobe Bryant will play in @thebig3 next season according to Big 3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz while speaking on the league's weekly conference call. #KobeBryant #big3playoffs pic.twitter.com/uJsswdAFiD

— Brandon Robinson (@ScoopB) August 21, 2018

">Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson.

Kobe Bryant will play in @thebig3 next season according to Big 3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz while speaking on the league's weekly conference call. #KobeBryant #big3playoffs pic.twitter.com/uJsswdAFiD
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 21, 2018

The Big3 is a 3-on-3 league of retired NBA players and wrapping up its second season -- with the championship taking place this weekend at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

While there's been no official word from Bryant, he did receive a plea from current member Stephen Jackson during a recent press conference.

"Kobe can play in the league -- any league," Jackson said in answering a reporter's question. "Any league."

Jackson then put forth his best pitch.

"Please come to the league," Jackson said, addressing Bryant specifically. "We need you."

Rhetorical #Big3Playoffs pic.twitter.com/ki4wzTYL8D
— BIG3 (@thebig3) August 19, 2018

Bryant spent 20 years in the NBA, all with the Lakers, winning five titles. He last played during the 2015-16 season. He turns 40-years old on Thursday.