Head coach Byron Scott has preached defense all summer long, but the Lakers have put in some shambolic performances on that end of the court during exhibition play.
Scott hasn't had much of a chance to put together his optimal lineups due to a litany of injuries and some strategic handling of his aging stars, not to mention an excess of players looking to latch onto this historic organization.
With all eyes set on the regular season, the Lakers' health and roster shape are the focus of this latest news roundup.
Kobe Bryant Sits Out Final Exhibition Games
According to ESPNLosAngeles.com's Jovan Buha, Scott has elected to sit Bryant for the Lakers' remaining preseason games.
"I just think he needs some rest," Scott said on Wednesday, via Buha. "I think he's shown me enough. I think we're all pretty happy with where he is."
Sure enough, Bryant was on the bench for the Lakers' 94-86 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. In six preseason games, Bryant has averaged 19.0 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 26.7 minutes per contest.
The Lakers have just one more preseason game left in 2014, an Oct. 24 matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
Fans were treated to some vintage play from Bryant in the Lakers' 114-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The Black Mamba poured in 27 points and shot 50 percent from the field. His fadeaway jumper looked sublime and was his go-to move in one-on-one situations.
Bryant's health is essential to the Lakers' chances of success this season. His scoring abilities are hardly in doubt, but putting in th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
