Skip to content

Lakers coach Scott on resting Kobe: 'I think he's shown me enough'

Richard Mackson / USA Today Sports

Byron Scott knows enough about Kobe Bryant.

Bryant's former teammate and new head coach said Wednesday that he's decided to sit his superstar down for the remainder of the preseason because there's nothing left for Bryant to show in exhibition.

"I just think he needs some rest," Scott said. "I think he's shown me enough. I think we're all pretty happy with where he is."

In six preseason outings, Bryant averaged 19 points, three rebounds and four assists, but shot just 39.6 percent from the floor. He also attempted more shots on a per-minute basis than anyone else in the preseason, something Lakers fans should probably get used to seeing as the season starts up.

Bryant had previously expressed a desire to play in all eight preseason games, but Scott said he was accepting of the rest. That's a new layer to the 36-year-old Bryant, who has also agreed to a minutes limitation with Scott.

Eight games is a long preseason, and with Bryant coming off of multiple leg injuries, it makes sense to give the veteran a few extra days rest. Bryant is expected to return for Oct. 28's season opener against the Houston Rockets.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox