Lakers guard Kobe Bryant left Monday’s game vs. the Pelicans with a sore Achilles, which is scary news for him since he missed almost all of the 2013-14 season recovering from a torn Achilles. The Lakers held on to beat the Pelicans 99-95 despite Bryant’s absence, which hammers home a sad reality.
These days the Lakers are just better off without the Black Mamba.
Bryant is actively stunting the development of their core players, guards D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, as well as forward Julius Randle. GM Mitch Kupchak actually said their development is taking a backseat to Bryant’s extended farewell.
That means playing Bryant, who is 37 years old and retiring at year’s end, more minutes than Russell, 19, who can benefit from big minutes in a season with low pressure because expectations are low. As much as fans want to see Bryant one last time, they don’t need 30 minutes’ worth. Russell was drafted second overall because the Lakers believed he had superstar potential. Riding the pine won’t enable a young point guard to acclimate to the NBA, or perfect his craft.
T-Mac, Kobe Would Be Equals If Not For Vlade Divac
Another reason the Lakers may be better off without Bryant is that he has actually improved his play from the beginning of the season – which the Lakers don’t need. Los Angeles owes their first round pick to the 76ers unless it lands inside the top 3.
And yet Lakers coach Byron Scott said he’s not ready to decrease Bryant’s minutes.
The Lakers Have Found Kobe's Free Agent Successor
"I'll reconsider [Bryant’s minutes] probably when he's ready to play again," Scott said. "I don't know if he's going to be ready to play Thursday in [Oakland]. That's really the last thing on my mind. It's more how he feels, and it's something we can control."
By playing Bryant less, the Lakers can give Russell much more experience, and will probably still lose enough to position themselves well for a high draft pick. Bryant’s Achilles could save the Lakers from themselves.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
