Los Angeles Lakers executive vice president Jim Buss has revealed that veteran guard Kobe Bryant would be welcome to continue playing beyond this season.

Bryant is entering the final year of his contract, and the Lakers have suggested that they are approaching this season as his last.

"We are going to approach it like it is, but that does not mean it is. I am not going to sit there and say, 'This is it, Kobe, you are done,' because it is not my decision, it is his decision," Buss said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"He just has to know, at that age, and that many miles on you, what is your role? We will explain the role, and if he still wants to do that and that is how he wants to go out, that is fine with me."

Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game last season, but featured in just 35 games due to injury.