For the third consecutive season, Kobe Bryant has had an injury take him out. This year, it is a torn rotator cuff that has taken Kobe out for the remainder of the season. In previous years, Kobe has rarely made his presence felt on the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench, but it looks like that won’t be the case this season.
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According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, head coach Byron Scott expects Kobe to be at the remainder of the Lakers’ home games:
Byron Scott anticipates Kobe Bryant to be at the remainder of Lakers home games.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 9, 2015
Scott explained that he has spoken with Kobe and wants him around the team more as the season winds down via Winters:
Byron Scott says he talked with Kobe Bryant about wanting him around more to close the season.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) March 9, 2015
This would be an excellent help to the young players on the Lakers. Even though he isn’t on the court to help them, Bryant is such a valuable asset to this Lakers team because of his mind and what he sees.
In the Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks, Kobe was seen giving some words of advice to rookie Jordan Clarkson, and he will be able to do that for a number of young players on the team such as Ed Davis, Wesley Johnson, Tarik Black and Ryan Kelly.
Kobe’s presence around the team will force players to continue playing their hardest. No one will slack off as long as Kobe is around, and having that mindset now will only help this young team in the future.
[divide]Jordan Clarkson On What It’s Like To Have Kobe Bryant Back On The Bench