Kobe Bryant -- TRAINING WITH KANYE ... In O.C. Basketball Gym

Kobe Bryant teamed up with Kanye West in an Orange County gym Wednesday for a private basketball training session ... TMZ Sports has learned.

The two met up at the Open Gym Premier training center -- running drills and played a little hoop before calling it a day.

Kobe and Kanye have been friends for years -- and even did a Nike commercial together back in 2012.

We know Yeezus likes to ball -- and recently hit the hardwood at a court in Australia.

We also know Kobe likes to rap ... if you'll recall that single he put out with Tyra Banks back in 2000.