Lakers' Scott says Kobe on 32-minute limit: 'He doesn't want to limp out'

As part of Kobe Bryant's rest plan for the season, it was decided earlier this week he'll sit out the second night of a back-to-back Friday in Utah, while head coach Byron Scott added he might consider shutting Bryant down for the season in March.

Now Scott has added another wrinkle, telling reporters before Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers that Bryant will be benched after hitting a 32-minute limit, even if a game is headed to overtime.

"He wants to go out on a high note. He doesn't want to limp out. That's why we're doing this," Scott said of Bryant, as reported by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

While the future Hall of Famer has seemingly accepted his need for rest in certain situations this season, it still seems unlikely a competitor as fierce as Bryant would accept sitting out in overtime, especially when wins are so few and far between for the L.A. Lakers these days.

To Bryant, missing the big moments he lives for - like overtime - is probably akin to limping out anyway.

Bryant has averaged 22.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.4 steals in his age-36 season after playing only six games last season, but the 19-year veteran is shooting a career-low 36.9 percent from the field while using 35 percent of the Lakers' possessions when he's on the court. He's also significantly regressed as a defender over the years.

It's no wonder, then, that the team has performed a robust 17.1 points per 100 possessions better with Bryant on the bench this season, according to NBA.com.

Still, with Bryant nearing the end of his illustrious career and the Lakers in rebuilding mode, no one (other than perhaps his teammates) wants to see the Black Mamba further limited by minutes restrictions.