Watch: Kobe Bryant makes rookie Larry Nance Jr. sit on floor

Kobe watched his teammates from the bench as Larry Nance Jr. sat on the floor before playing.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant did not play in Tuesday night's 92–90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks but made his presence known on the bench as he made rookie Larry Nance Jr. sit on the floor.

“It's out of respect,” Nance Jr. said after the game. “You earned that.”

• Ex-Laker Samaki Walker says Kobe Bryant punched him over $100

Bryant sat out the game as he nursed a sore right shoulder. Bryant wore a navy suit and watched his teammates while Nance Jr. wore his uniform and saw 23 minutes of action recording seven rebounds and one assist.

Nance Jr. is in his rookie season for the Lakers after being drafted with the No. 27 pick in the 2015 NBA draft. he is averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

- Christopher Chavez