If you’re Mitch Kupchak, you have to be smiling. It’s like ignoring a problem and then that problem solves itself. The narrative was Kobe needed to play all the important minutes and that wouldn’t allow the development of the young Lakers. In an electric game that showed D’Angelo Russell come into his own, stroking from the 3-point line with an unmatched swagger that brought the Lakers back from a huge deficit, Kobe was on the bench but appeared to be more than content to be there. CBS Sports had the quote:
“Even if I had 15 or 17 minutes or something like that, I’d much rather watch the young guys play. They played so well. It’s important for them to learn how to close those games out without me on the floor, because obviously, I’m not going to be there next year.”
Is this setting up a coaching career for the Mamba? There is a gleam in his eye when watching these young guns and obviously, he will miss it. A media career is an obvious choice, but a chance to stay closer to the game has to appeal to the ultra-competitive Bryant.