Father Time has finally appeared to catch up with Kobe Bryant, requiring the NBA great to regularly miss games to rest his ageing body, and for the once ultra-defiant star to closely ponder his post-basketball future.

Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch recently suggested an unlikely, but highly interesting potential landing spot for Bryant after basketball"”a Turner Sports studio.

With TNT analyst Charles Barkley's contract expiring in 2016 (the final year of Bryant's deal with the Los Angeles Lakers), the SI piece says that Turner might need to think of a succession plan (while also opining that Barkley will mostly re-up with the network).

The piece carries on that if there's one name that could have a similar impact to the outspoken personality formerly known as the "Round Mound of Rebound," it would be Bryant.

Apart from being articulate, passionate, and honest about the game of basketball, Bryant's edge and distance from the establishment are a couple of things Deitsch points to as what makes Bryant and interesting Turner Sports prospect.

"He's obviously smart and articulate, and he would be a great candidate. But like any job, there is a certain amount of passion that the person needs to have for the day to day," Turner Sports senior vice president and executive creative director Craig Barry was quoted saying.

Adding, "That's a huge part of being a successful broadcaster and I think Kobe would be great at it. But he would want to do it."

SI cites industry sources saying that should Bryant want to do it, he would command between $4-5 million annually, if not more.

Shortly after rupturing his Achilles in 2013, he announced the formation of his own company, Kobe Inc., then formed a team to start new businesses and evaluate investment opportunities.

This season, Bryant has missed eight of the Lakers' last 15 games to rest. The team has gone 2-6 with him out of action during that stretch.

He is averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this year, while shooting a career low 37 percent.