Lakers' Scott: May shut Kobe down in March 'if we're nowhere near playoff contention'

Kobe Bryant's status for the next two games has already been decided, with the future Hall of Famer expected to play Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers and rest Friday against the Utah Jazz (read the story below). His long-term status for the season, however, remains up in the air.

The idea of eventually shutting Bryant down has come up in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, head coach Byron Scott put a potential timeline on that decision.

"If we're nowhere near playoff contention in March ... then we might discuss that," Scott told Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times.

If the first half of the season - and the Lakers' roster - is any indication, then shutting Kobe down is definitely going to be discussed in a couple months.

L.A. currently sits 14th in the Western Conference standings, a full 10 games behind the eighth and final playoff spot, and don't have nearly enough talent to get back in the race.