Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest closer’s the NBA has ever seen, but as he transitions to being just an integral part of a young Lakers core, he understands that he’ll have to watch them fail sometimes.
Bryant was frank when stating that “it’s difficult” but necessary to allow the young roster to develop after a near 20 point loss to the Kings.
“Can’t do it,” he said after Friday’s 132-114 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. “Got to let them develop.”
Bryant is referring to is the Lakers’ young core of rookie guard D’Angelo Russell, second-year guard Jordan Clarkson and second-year forward Julius Randle.
The third all time leading scorer in NBA history would love to take over games late, but simply can’t. It would stunt the growth of everyone involved.
“It’s difficult,” Bryant said. “But it has to be done.”
Bryant’s production hasn’t exactly screamed of closer either — as he followed up a putrid 8-for-24 outing in the team’s season-opening loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, by finishing with 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting against the Kings.