Kobe Bryant challenges Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo to win NBA MVP

Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant didn't mince words when Giannis Antetokounmpo asked him what he needed to accomplish next season.

Bryant told the Milwaukee Bucks All-Star that he needs to win the 2017-2018 NBA MVP Award.

On Thursday, Bryant took to Twitter to challenge several athletes and stars. He told Kendrick Lamar to have his record label revolutionize the music program at Centennial High School. He told Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Isaiah Thomas to make the All-NBA first team and DeMar DeRozan to rekindle a lost friendship from his youth in Compton. He also challenged Olympic track star Allyson Felix and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. Bryant challenged Felix to coach sprinters for the Special Olympics and Sherman to record the Seahawks' single season interceptions record.

"Still waiting for my challenge...@kobebryant," Antetokounmpo tweeted.

"MVP," Bryant responded Sunday morning.

Another Twitter user asked what Bryan's challenge was for Washington Wizards point guard John Wall.

The "Black Mamba" responded: "1st team all defense."

"Say no more," Wall responded.

When last season's All-Defensive first team was announced, Wall laughed about it on Twitter.

That team included Draymond Green and Kawhi Leonard at forward, Chris Paul and Patrick Beverley at guard and Rudy Gobert at center.

Wall received the third-most votes of those left off the list and the second-most votes on that list for first-team nods.

Antetokounmpo finished eighth in NBA MVP voting last season, an award won by Russell Westbrook.

Bryant, who turned 39 last week, was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection and 12-time All-Defensive team selection. He won his only MVP award during the 2007-2008 season with the Lakers.