Kobe Bryant says he could play wide receiver for the Eagles

January 19, 12:28 PMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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Kobe in Lakers jersey has his Eagles gear in the locker room

After the Lakers practice on Sunday, Kobe Bryant was itching to discuss something other than tonight's big game against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The media members were peppering him with questions about the Cavs and the news that he is expected to guard LeBron this evening. Phil had already acknowledged the plan and Kobe characteristically dismissed it as no big deal.

He asked for questions about other topics, hint...hint. One reporter sported a Philadelphia Eagles shirt and we were off to the races. The NFC Championship game had just gotten underway and Bryant said he thought he could fix the team's problems scoring TD's in the red zone.

He was the fun Kobe, the man who believes he can master anything if he tries hard enough. His trademark confidence oozed out as he spoke. Not wanting to spoil the party I specifically didn't ask if he thought he could withstand the pounding that comes with that job. But that's an interesting question.

Like Randy Moss, Kobe is lean and tall. If Kobe were to switch professions, I'm sure they'd use him as a downfield threat. But nevertheless he'd have to be able to come across the middle when necessary.

If so, that linebacker-defensive back sandwich is waiting. Ouch. Kobe is a tough guy on the hard wood and plays through all kinds of pain and injuries. But those are the basketball kind, not the Osi Umenyiora kind.

For a couple of minutes we all had a mental picture of Kobe in Eagles green, a helmet, shoulder pads and speed that might not equal DeSean Jackson's but would make Donovan McNabb smile. The Eagles could have used him yesterday.