The Los Angeles Lakers have been a borderline disaster all season long, and other than letting their young players gain experience, there is not much that they have left to play for this season. Recently, debate has begun over whether the team should simply acknowledge their plight and shut down Kobe Bryant for the rest of the year to let him recuperate and be fresh and healthy for next season.
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According to ESPN, Bryant would accept the team's decision if they want to shut him down for the rest of the year, but he would do so reluctantly. The team may have a shot at making the playoffs in the crowded Western Conference next year, which is the final season left on Bryant's contract.
"I will do what they ask of me, but it's very, very hard for me to miss one game," Bryant said following the Lakers' 109-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on Thursday. "I'm not going to be here much longer, so the games that I play, I want to make sure that I'm playing and enjoying it and appreciating it."
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Head coach Byron Scott says that he and the front office have not talked about shutting Bryant down yet. However, this week, he did say, "I'm pretty sure if we're [not in] playoff contention in March or something like that, then we might discuss that."
Bryant has played a lot of minutes when he has been available for games, but he has missed several games over the past month in order to allow him to rest his body.
When asked about the team's long-term plan, Kobe replied, "Seriously, I understand. I understand. It's my responsibility to be ready every single night and when I step out there on the floor to give it my all. If they want to shut me down, if they decide to sit me out, I will do what's asked of me. It's that simple."
When asked what the team would be saving him for by shutting him down, Kobe laughed. "To try and get another year out of me," Bryant said, laughing. "Probably. You know me, man. If I say that's it, that's it."
Below, you can see highlights from the Lakers' loss to Cleveland.
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