If the Los Angeles Lakers are to have a productive season, they’ll need a healthy Kobe Bryant.
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Given that, head coach Byron Scott has already suggested that there will likely be times when Kobe Bryant is either given a game off or will have his minutes monitored. That’s of course the smart course of action for Scott and the Lakers, though Kobe Bryant may think otherwise.
An intense competitor, Kobe Bryant is going to have a difficult time sitting on the bench, especially in a situation where he feels he can help the team.
Asked what will happen if Kobe attempts to check himself into a game, head coach Byron Scott suggested he may need to tackle him.
It’s a fantastic and rather humorous response from Scott, but the fact you could actually envision such makes it that much more hilarious. Kobe’s of course never been a big fan of being removed from the floor (even under Phil Jackson) and he’s unlikely to be this go around. However, given Scott would be making such a move not only to benefit Bryant but the Lakers as well, Kobe might be a bit more accepting of the decision.
Still, it’s hard not to envision Kobe giving Scott a bit of grief, especially if the Lakers are in a tight game and Bryant is stuck on the pine.