Byron Scott doesn’t quite seem to be on the same page as Lakers trainers with regards to handling Kobe Bryant’s Achilles injury.
Bryant missed a game with a sore right Achilles, and then had to leave the next game early when the soreness flared up. According to Scott, team trainer Gary Vitti recommended Bryant get a week or two to rest. Also according to Scott, that’s probably not going to happen.
BScott said Kobe feeling better with Achilles injury and will fly with team to Golden State today. KB listed as questionable, probable.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 13, 2016
BScott said trainer Gary Vitti wants to shut down KB 1-2 weeks. But Scott said he doesn't see that happening
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 13, 2016
Byron sounds in favor of Vitti'a suggestion of shutting Kobe down 1-2 weeks. But Byron plans to talk to Kobe, Gary and Mitch
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 13, 2016
Byron on Kobe: "My biggest concern is I want that man to finish the season standing up on the court and getting the respect he deserves."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 13, 2016
This may not be all Scott, of course. Bryant is extremely competitive and may be pushing to play through it, too.
That said, someone really needs to step in and do the right thing here. Even when Bryant was ostensibly healthy, Scott played him for over 35 minutes a night, which Kobe’s body could barely take, and then kept doing it anyway. It’s true that Bryant will likely deal with pain all season, but there’s a difference between manageable pain and injuries that Bryant can’t play through. If the Lakers aren’t careful, Bryant’s farewell tour could come crashing to a halt thanks to a forced ending before April even comes around.
