Kobe Bryant says he will step back in favor of Lakers’ young players

After Friday’s game, Kobe Bryant spoke about stepping back in order to help the young players on the Lakers.

After Friday’s 132-114 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant spoke about pulling back and not taking over games in order to help out younger players on the team.

“Can't do it,” Bryant told reporters, suggesting he would allow his teammates to learn and make the most of their minutes. The veteran guard, who recently set the NBA record for most seasons with one team (currently in his 20th with Los Angeles), has long been known as one of the league’s most ball-dominant players. “Got to let them develop. It’s difficult. But it has to be done.”

Los Angeles has three promising young players in rookie guard D’Angelo Russell, second-year guard Jordan Clarkson and second-year forward Julius Randle.  

“I’m really wanting to let the young guys, especially D’Angelo, let him call the game, let him organize the game, let him read the flow, let him make those decisions,” Bryant said. “Which is part of me taking a step back, which needs to be done. You have to let the young guys make those reads and you have to be there and help them and support them with those reads.”

Bryant, 37, is averaging 25.5 minutes, 18.5 points and 2.0 assists per game through the first two games of the season. He is in the final year of his contract.

The Lakers (0–2) host the Dallas Mavericks (1–1) on Sunday.

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