Kobe Bryant On Minutes: ‘All Minutes Aren’t Created Equal’
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

One of the main complaints of this season has been the high usage of Kobe Bryant. In his 19th season, Kobe averaged over 35 minutes per night going into Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.

— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —

On Sunday, Kobe’s minutes were down to 32 as Byron Scott looked to give Kobe a little more rest. After the game, Kobe spoke about how minutes can differ from game to game via the Lakers official Twitter page:

It is an interesting way to look at things as in addition to being on the floor for 35 minutes a night, Kobe also had the highest usage percentage in the league. Kobe was exerting himself for far too long when he was on the floor.

In his first game back after missing three to rest, Kobe was much more subdued, taking only 10 shots and playing a more all-around game. Ultimately, the Lakers still fell short against the Suns, but Kobe flirted with a triple-double, adding eight rebounds and seven assists to his 10 points.

Kobe took a backseat in this game, choosing not to force the action and even deferring to Nick Young on numerous occasions down the stretch of the fourth quarter. With the Lakers needing a basket late, Kobe drove and found an open Wesley Johnson when he was crowded around the basket.

Byron Scott continuing to limit Kobe’s minutes will definitely play a big role in how Kobe feels from game to game, but Kobe playing this style will also allow him to remain fresh as the season wears on.

[divide]

Lakers Acquire Tarik Black


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers Signing Darren Collison And Stanley Johnson To 10-Day Hardship Exception Contracts

The last couple of weeks have been extremely difficult in the NBA with dozens of players having to miss time due…

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Compliments LeBron James’ Leadership And Communication

The Los Angeles Lakers have hit their stride after a 2-5 start to the season. They’ve rebounded to win nine of their last 11 games and are in the thick of a…

Lakers Rumors: 2018-19 NBA Season Opener To Be Played Against Blazers

With the 2018-19 Los Angeles Lakers season approaching, the NBA will release its national television schedule for the first…

Lakers News: Rob Pelinka Calls Kyle Kuzma ‘Cornerstone For The Future’

General manager Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers front office might have believed Kyle Kuzma would be special…