Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is uncertain whether he'd play in the NBA season opener and suggested his role this season would be reduced. Bryant made his comments on Thursday during a Jimmy Kimmel-hosted television special, "Kobe Up Close."
Bryant's recovery from his Achilles' tendon tear has been speedy, but there's still significant progress to make. So much that Bryant is uncertain if he'll be ready to go on Oct. 29 when the Lakers open the season against the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I don't know if I'll be ready for opening night. I really don't know," Bryant said, via L.A. Times. "I know I'm really, really ahead of schedule."
The 34-year-old stated his goal is to be back by the season opener, and he's sounded confident all summer. Thursday's interview was the first indication from Bryant that he might not be ready.
Regardless of when Bryant does return, he and the Lakers plan to reduce his role on the team, and thus his minutes, this season.
"That's the goal," Bryant said. "We got a little younger and picked up a couple of wing players who I really think will help us tremendously next year - Nick Young and Wesley Johnson. I really look forward to them easing the load."
Bryant's comments suggested he expects Young, a six-year pro, to be a big addition to the Lakers roster. Bryant included Young as one of his favorite young players in the league - among the likes of Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook - and thinks the 28-year-old swingman will have an important role on the team.
Young brings three-point shooting to the Lakers, an area where the squad lacked in last season. He's a 37.4 percent career three-point shooter and can space the floor.
If Bryant isn't immediately available to play, Young would likely take over at the 2-guard. He showed flashes of talent with the Washington Wizards, where he started as the shooting guard and averaged 17 points per game in his final season-and-a-half with the team.
