Why NBA legend Kobe Bryant says Ben Simmons must develop jump shot to take his game to next level

Kobe Bryant hasn’t missed Ben Simmons in his blunt assessment of the Australian star, with the LA Lakers legend saying Simmons must develop a jump shot or live to regret it.

NBA legend Kobe Bryant has delivered a blunt assessment of Ben Simmons’ game, declaring the Aussie star needs to develop a jump shot or live to regret it.

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The Los Angeles Lakers great said the sky was the limit for Melbourne born-and-bred Simmons who has taken the NBA by storm and become an All-Star in his second season.

But he said he must learn how to shoot properly to take his game to the next level.

“He’s got to get a jump shot,’’ Bryant said.

“It sounds stupid and all that but I’m dead ass serious.

“Because if not, he will regret it when his career is over.’’

Ben Simmons has been urged to add a reliable outside shot to his repertoire.

Simmons was crowned NBA Rookie of the Year last season and on Tuesday was named eastern conference player of the week, averaging 16.7 points, 13.3 rebounds and eight assists in the absence of injured Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.

The point forward is averaging 17 points, 9.1 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.3 steals this season and has racked up 10 triple doubles as Philadelphia marches towards the playoffs.

But Bryant — who boasts career averages of 25 points, 4.7 assists and 5.2 rebounds along with five NBA championship rings, said Simmons needed to add a reliable outside shot to his brilliant passing and inside game.

“What he is doing now without that is astonishing,’’ Bryant said.

“Now imagine if he could shoot the ball.

“What does that open up for you? You don’t want to retire and look back and go ‘man, if I had a jump shot what would I have done?’

“You don’t want that so I don’t care if you have to lock yourself in the gym for 10 hours a day.

“If this kid gets a jump shot — it’s a serious, serious problem.’’

Ben Simmons was on Tuesday was named eastern conference player of the week.

Legendary US player Kobe Bryant says “the sky is the limit” for Simmons.

Bryant — in Melbourne for a sold-out speaking tour — revealed he would rise at 3.30am during his career to be training by 4am.

He said Simmons needed to work even harder if he wanted to achieve greatness.

“He better set it for one (am),’’ he said.

But Bryant — a two-time NBA scoring champion, five-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medallist, said Simmons, 22, still had time to become a basketball great.

“The sky is the limit for him,’’ he said.

Ben Simmons was crowned NBA Rookie of the Year last season.

“He can be as good as he wants to be.’’

Bryant also offered his all-time best starting five, noticeably omitting his championship teammate Shaquille O’Neal.

It was Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Bryant also revealed he was close to leaving the Lakers and signing with the Chicago Bulls after a fallout with fellow Hall of Famer O’Neal.

He said he had scouted houses and schools in Chicago but stayed in LA after O’Neal sought a trade instead.

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