Lakers' Scott says he hasn't spoke with Kobe about retirement

If Kobe Bryant truly has been thinking about retiring following the season, it's not a thought he's shared with head coach Byron Scott.

Bryant admitted over the weekend that retiring after the season has crossed his mind, citing continued soreness as the primary reason. With an estimated $303 million in career earnings by the end of this season, it's easy to believe Bryant when he says his $25-million salary for next season won't factor into his decision.

That decision surely won't be made until the offseason, and Bryant said he doubts it will come to that. Just a few months ago, he was even leaving open the slight possibility of playing beyond 2015-16.

In any case, those conversations haven't gone beyond Bryant's internal monologue, it seems.

"I'm sure it's probably crossed his mind more than once," Scott said Sunday. "But we haven't talked about that one bit. It's just game by game - that's how we're going to approach it and go from there. I think he'll probably tackle that issue once the season is all said and done."

Bryant has been worn down for most of the season and is set to sit out for rest for the eighth time this season on Monday. It's been suggested Bryant may shut things down come March, ending his 19th season prematurely.

In 34 games, the 36-year-old has found himself able to score, but not with the efficiency he's accustomed to. That's led him to become more of a facilitator, especially of late. He's averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from the floor, but since a three-game respite at Christmas, he's averaging 14.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and nine assists.