Over the weekend, I see that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was making some noise about how much he would like for Jerry West to return to the team after West’s contract with the Memphis Grizzlies expires at the end of June. But apparently, West doesn’t want to be put in a position where he might upstage Mitch Kupchak, a friend who’s now the Lakers’ general manager.

I’ve got a better idea.

Why don’t the Grizzlies re-up West’s contract, then find a way to sign Kobe? That way, everybody wins. Particularly those of us taxpayers who are worried about having to pay off the FedExForum’s debt if the Grizzlies’ attendance falters.

Because love him or hate him, Kobe would definitely draw big crowds…