Maybe a change of pace will lead to just that.
The 34-year-old averaged 38.5 minutes last season, a fairly significant increase over the 33.9 minutes Phil Jackson played him in 2010-11. Of course, Kobe's no stranger to a hefty workload. Over the course of his career, he's averaged more than 40 minutes in five different seasons.
Sitting an MVP-caliber player isn't easy, but sometimes it's necessary.
Mike Trudell reports that head coach Mike Brown is beginning to agree:
Mike Brown definitely wants to reduce Kobe's minutes this year. Acknowledges they were too high last year, feels team is now deeper.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2012 Indeed, Brown and Kobe alike have general manager Mitch Kupchak to thank for that added depth. The most obvious help will come from Jodie Meeks, a 25-year-old shooting guard who can light it up from long range. Not only will he be able to give Bryant a breather from time to time, he'll ensure Los Angeles' second-unit doesn't turn in a stagnant offense.
So will 36-year-old Antawn Jamison, a spread-4 who will fit in just fine with the bench after spending his last two-and-a-half seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers will rely on Jamison for sixth-man minutes and production given his scoring instincts and the experience he brings to the second unit.
Jamison obviously won't be subbing in for Kobe directly, but the point is that this team has some scorers to whom it can turn when Bryant goes to the bench.
And let's face it, we're not talking about him playing 25 minutes a game.
It wouldn't be at all surprising to see Kobe averaging something closer to 32 or 34 minutes, but not even the Lakers can afford to go without...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
