Through 14 games, Kobe Bryant is averaging 26.7 points while shooting 38.1 percent in 35.7 minutes. To start the season, Kobe’s shooting percentage has dipped in the second half of games as a result of extended minutes.
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After practice on Tuesday, head coach Byron Scott says he might shorten Kobe’s minutes according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
Byron Scott says he might shorten Kobe's minutes by a couple per game. Main reason: Kobe's shots falling short = sign of fatigue.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 25, 2014
Kobe is also aware that his shot hasn’t been falling in the second half of games and will dedicate certain days to ice baths and weightlifting, via Bresnahan:
Kobe's cognizant his shot hasn't been falling in 2nd half of games lately. Will dedicate certain days to ice baths, others to weightlifting.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) November 25, 2014
At the age of 36, there were expectations heading into the season that Kobe would be put on a minutes restriction. Unfortunately, Scott hasn’t had the luxury to rest Kobe due to numerous injuries and the worst start since moving to Los Angeles.
While he has struggled himself, the return of Nick Young provides the Lakers with a legitimate second scorer who can create his own shot which should take some pressure off of Kobe. With Scott considering less minutes for Kobe, he should be able to rest and be the closer the Lakers need him to be.
[divide]Lakers Practice: Byron Scott Compares Kobe Bryant To Chris Paul