Kobe Bryant Dishes Assist to Lil Wayne, Shares ‘Tha Carter V’ Artwork

The artwork for Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter V” has been leaked by an unexpected source: Kobe Bryant.

The L.A. Lakers great tweeted the message, “Carter V season begins #carterV” with a red and white logo. The distinctive “V” is braced by the words “Tha Carter V” and the brands for Cash Money Records and Young Money are stamped at the bottom.

Lil Wayne slam-dunked any doubts about its authenticity when he retweeted Kobe’s message.

Carter V season begins #carterV pic.twitter.com/hYz4Eq4022

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 29, 2014

Kobe’s assist to Lil Wayne shouldn’t come as such a surprise. Lil Wayne is a self-confessed fan of the five-time NBA champ, and Kobe has more time on his hands than he’s used to. He missed most the 2013/14 NBA season through injury and his teamed has failed to make the play-offs. Right now, the guard’s rivals are battling it out in the first round of the playoffs. Kobe has tried his hand at rapping, though no-one has suggested he give away his balling career.

Lil Wayne's Rumored 'Tha Carter V' Track List Features Kanye West, Drake

"Tha Carter V" is set for a May release, and will likely be Lil Wayne’s last solo album. In an interview for MTV, the hip hop artist said a whole lot of cash might help him reconsider his solo retirement. "25 to 35 million would get me to do another solo album after this," he said.