One of the biggest questions coming into this NBA season will be the return of Kobe Bryant and what level he will be at. No one doubts Kobe’s will and desire to be the best, but he will be 36 going into this season.
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One player who knows about playing into his late 30s is Hall of Famer Reggie Miller. According to the LA Times’ Ben Bolch, Miller thinks Kobe won’t be able to match his previous scoring exploits:
Reggie Miller on Kobe Bryant: "Will he be averaging 26, 27 [points per game]? No, but I think he can be in the 21 to 23 range given health."
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) August 20, 2014
Miller is the latest media member to have these sentiments regarding Kobe. ESPN didn’t even have him in their top-10 shooting guard projections for the upcoming season.
Another point of emphasis for Miller, according to Bolch, was Bryant’s minutes, which he says must come down this year:
Reggie Miller on Kobe Bryant: "He can’t want to play 38 to 42 minutes. Those days are gone."
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) August 20, 2014
Kobe has always been amongst the league leaders in minutes played. He averages more than 36 minutes per game for his career, and currently ranks 13th on the NBA’s all-time minutes played list.
Miller is probably right on this point as it would probably be better for Bryant if he was used like the San Antonio Spurs use Tim Duncan, who hasn’t averaged more than 30 minutes per game in the last four seasons.
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Of course, no one knows exactly what level Bryant will play at, but he will surely be taking note of everyone who is doubting him.
[divide]Lakers Coach Byron Scott Talks Nick Young, Kobe, Defense
