Byron Scott: Kobe Bryant can play ‘3 more years at a very high level’
By Sam Richmond
Kobe Bryant is coming off serious injuries in back-to-back years and will be 36 by the time the 2014-15 NBA season rolls around. But Bryant still has a lot to give to the game of basketball, according to his new head coach with the Los Angeles Lakers, Byron Scott.
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Appearing on The Jim Rome Show, Scott said of Bryant:
"“I watched him workout here at the facility and he looks really good. He’s in great shape right now,” said Scott. “He has two years left on his contract, he’s the one guy, that I think with all the injuries that he’s had over the last year or so, that can play three more years if he wants to and at a very high level. Kobe’s the type of guy that’s still going to average 20 some points a game, he’s just that good. I think he still has a lot left in the tank. I still think that desire and motivation to win another championship is the thing that drives him.”"
The Lakers certainly better hope Scott’s words are spot on, as the team infamously made an enormous financial commitment to Kobe last year that will pay the franchise legend $48.5 million over the next two years. Bryant will have to return to his old superstar ways, which many understandably so doubt will happen, for him to be worth that money.
It’s usually not smart to bet against Kobe, but Father Time waits for no one. How the aging Bryant performs next season should be one of the more interesting subplots of next season.
Bryant appeared in just six games in 2013-14, averaging 13.8 points on 42.5 percent shooting from the floor.