The Los Angeles Lakers are fresh off one of the biggest upset wins of the NBA regular season. The team defeated the Golden State Warriors, 112-95, in game that was nowhere near as close as the score indicates. The Lakers now have something they can hang their hats on for the season, as just 18 games remain for them. Kobe Bryant told the media that he hopes to play in all 18 games, but that might be unrealistic.
Bryant is in the middle of a goodbye tour as the star will retire following 20 seasons in the NBA. He managed to play 24 minutes and net 12 points against the Warriors, but that will not be a regular occurrence for the remainder of the season. Bryant admitted after the game that his torn rotator cuff from last season is still bothering him and he might not be able to play all 18 games left on the schedule.
"Dude, I don't know. Hopefully all of them. I know that's wishful thinking, but hopefully...It's sore, but if I feel like it's not clicking or unstoppable, I'll go out and play. That being said, it feels solid right now," Bryant said.
The Lakers have been busy focusing on developing the young talent they have on the roster this season. When Bryant departs, D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle are expected to take over the franchise. For now, Bryant is acting as mentor even though his retirement tour has been blamed for many of the team's losses. Head coach Byron Scott has told the media developing players like Russell has been tough with Bryant on the court, but the veteran does not see things like that.
"My job here is to help mentor these young guys, teach them as much as I possibly can and move this organization into a bright, bright future," Bryant said.
The Lakers played their absolute best basketball of the season against the Warriors, which should give fans hope for the future. Russell has been developing into a star talent while Randle leads behind him. That type of play from young guys on the roster will determine just what the Lakers need in free agency, while Russell could potentially attract top talent to the franchise. Bryant believes that moments like the one on Sunday will go a long way in helping the youth on the roster develop.
"The improvement and the importance of this game is not necessarily in the win, but it's in the fact that they executed the game plan very well," Bryant said. "They paid attention to detail very well. For young guys, I think it's extremely important to see the results of that. Like when you pay attention to little details, good things happen."
