Kobe Bryant tells A-Rod to step his game up.

The New York Yankees are currently down in the playoffs series against the Detroit Tigers and superstar Alex Rodriguez has struggled greatly this postseason.

Kobe Bryant figured he’d offer his advice and give Rodriguez a “pep talk” to help the shortstop pick his game up.

Here’s what Kobe had to say:

“I just say to him, ‘You’re Alex Rodriguez. You’re A-Rod. You’re one of the best to ever do it,’” Bryant said. “I think sometimes he kind of forgets that and wants to try to do the right thing all the time. Which is the right team attitude to have. But other times you really have to put your head down and say, ‘Hell with it’ and just do your thing.”

“Hopefully the next game they’ll kind of give him a chance, maybe put him back at third and let him respond to the pressure, which I think he’ll do.”

There’s no doubt that both of these players are the best to play there respective sports, but Kobe believes the two do have one thing that separates them.

“We’re different,” Bryant said. “But you’re talking about, ‘He’s one of the best to ever play.’ I think really the difference is, sometimes he forgets he’s the best. … Where, I don’t.”

Kobe is correct. Never have I seen him lose confidence in his ability on the hardwood floor. After over 15 seasons in the NBA, he still has the same faith he had in himself from day one.

For Alex Rodriguez, let’s just hope Kobe’s pep talk can get him going. The Yankees would benefit greatly with a spark from their superstar.

Brandon Kendrick