For 20 NBA seasons, Kobe Bryant has been known to force himself and take charge of the Lakers during crucial game moments. But now it seems the Black Mamba understands that he needs to hold himself back from doing so for the Lakers’ own good.
Playing out his final year, Bryant can still take over if he wants to. But the thing is that he has to hold back and step aside a bit if the Lakers are to evolve past his era.
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Of course, Bryant is referring to the young guns on the Lakers roster. That includes sophomores Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle as well as rookie D’Angelo Russell. The trio are touted to be the eventual stars of the ballclub and for them to step up into those big shoes, Bryant needs to let them learn even if it means losing games.
"Can't do it," Bryant said after the Lakers dropped a 132-114 decision to the Kings at Sleep Train Arena. "Got to let them develop."
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But make no mistake about it, holding back is as hard as taking over games. He still has the competitive spirit inside him but the reality of it all is that sooner or later he will have to pass the torch.
One person Bryant feels that should learn (and perhaps fast) is Russell. Touted as one of the best playmakers from the 2015 NBA Draft, Bryant wants Russell to call and organize the game and make decisions on his own.
Despite being only his first year, that seems like a big challenge for the rookie even if Bryant wants to be his usual self.
But if the Lakers want to see if their rebuilding is headed in the right direction, Bryant's choice of letting Russell, Clarkson and Randle is certainly something that can translate if what they have done so far is good or bad.
“You have to let the young guys make those reads and you have to be able to help them and support them with those reads," says Bryant on the three possible future players of the Lakers.
But the question now is how long Bryant can keep himself from taking charge. The competitive itch is still there and should it become unbearable, will he still be holding himself back?
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