Scott says shutting Kobe down for 'weeks' has been discussed
With Kobe Bryant winding down his career, the hope from virtually everybody's perspective has been to see him play out his final season without the significant absences that have marred his last three years in the NBA.
That may not be an option. Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott told reporters Wednesday that team trainer Gary Vitti has suggested shutting down Bryant for one-to-two weeks. Scott added that nothing has been decided yet.
Byron Scott says if Kobe Bryant does decide to play tomorrow, he'll definitely be talking to him about keeping his minutes down.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 13, 2016
Bryant left Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans after clocking a season-low 16 minutes with a sore right Achilles. It's the same injury he sat out due to on Monday, but the opposite leg of which he ruptured his Achilles tendon almost three years ago.
Bryant has played 32 games this season. He hasn't suited up in more than 35 since 2012-13. Because of various injuries, he hasn't played in the All-Star Game since that season, despite being voted in both times. He currently leads all NBA players in balloting by a substantial margin for next month's game in Toronto.
The Lakers legendary trainer since 1984, Vitti, like Bryant, is retiring after this season.