New Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott is starting to do the rounds after officially being hired as Mike D’Antoni’s successor.
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On Friday, Scott made an appearance on The Jim Rome Show saying the following about Kobe Bryant’s future:
“I watched him workout here at the facility and he looks really good. He’s in great shape right now,” said Scott. “He has two years left on his contract, he’s the one guy, that I think with all the injuries that he’s had over the last year or so, that can play three more years if he wants to and at a very high level. Kobe’s the type of guy that’s still going to average 20some points a game, he’s just that good. I think he still has a lot left in the tank. I still think that desire and motivation to win another championship is the thing that drives him.”
Last November, Kobe signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension with the team. Although the extension was highly criticized by many for the amount Kobe is set to earn, the team is sticking by the face of the franchise moving forward.
A lot of questions surround how much Kobe might have in the tank heading into next season. The superstar is coming off two season-ending injuries and will turn 36 later this month.
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Fortunately, Scott is confident in Kobe’s ability to continue playing at a high level in the twilight of his career. As expected, Kobe is also as confident as ever in his ability to bounce back after two injury-filled seasons.
Only time will tell if Kobe’s body can hold up while trying to defy the odds and keep father time at bay next season.
[divide]Lakers Introduce Byron Scott (Part 3) – On Relationship With Kobe Bryant