Kobe Bryant issues welcome statement to Los Angeles-bound Steven Gerrard

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has welcomed Steven Gerrard to the city after it was confirmed that the Liverpool captain would be moving to LA Galaxy in the summer.

Gerrard follows in the footsteps of former England teammate David Beckham in joining the franchise, and Bryant admits that he is a big admirer of the 34-year-old, who made his Liverpool debut in 1998.

"Welcome to Los Angeles, welcome to La La Land," he said on the Galaxy's official website. "Hopefully that means bringing another championship to the Galaxy, which I'm sure it will.

"I'm looking forward to getting down there and watching you do your thing. I've been a fan of yours for a very long time and your versatility, your aggressiveness and your leadership.

"Welcome to Los Angeles. Enjoy and kick some ass in the process. I'll be down there rooting you on my man."

Gerrard has revealed his eagerness to help the defending champions achieve more success ahead of his summer move.