Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak On His Expectations For Kobe Bryant’s 20th Season

Washington Wizards v Los Angeles Lakers

Heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, one of the biggest storylines will be Kobe Bryant’s return from a torn rotator cuff and his 20th season with the Los Angeles Lakers. While general manager Mitch Kupchak shared that the five-time champion has ‘indicated’ to him that this will be his final season, Kobe has not made a decision regarding his retirement.

— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —

With Kobe set to turn 37 years old and heading into his 20th season, Kupchak was asked about his expectations for the superstar with Bleacher Report Radio on Sunday:

Due to the three consecutive season-ending injuries, there will be uncertainty at this stage of his career. After being the league leader in scoring for the first part of the season, Kobe experienced general soreness and adjusted his game to being more of a facilitator. During this stretch, Kobe had two triple-doubles and set a career-high in assists with 17 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Heading into the new season, head coach Byron Scott has previously discussed a new game plan for his superstar which includes a minutes restriction and sitting out in back-to-back situations. If Kobe and Scott are able to stick to this game plan, it will provide the five-time champion an opportunity to stay healthy for the entire season and retire on his own terms.

Appearing in 35 games, Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

[divide]

Lakers Nation NBA Draft Podcast: Lottery Results


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Kobe Bryant ‘Looking To Find Out’ About Tarik Black

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a tough loss to the…

Free Agents to Fill the Lakers’ Void at The Point

It’s hard to predict just how vested the Lakers will be in…

Following LaVar Ball Claiming Luke Walton Has Lost The Lakers, Lonzo Ball Says He’ll ‘Play For Anybody’

Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball is no stranger to his father, LaVar Ball, courting controversy. The…

Metta World Peace Says Lakers, Rockets Will Be In 2014 Conference Finals

Leave it up to Metta World Peace to make bold statements. Just days…