Kobe Bryant: LeBron James has ‘earned’ right to rest

LeBron James has at least one prominent backer when it comes to the issue of sitting out games for rest: The Black Mamba.

In an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday, retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant defended James for resting.

“When you miss a game, there is that one kid out there who isn’t going to be able to see his favorite player play,” said Bryant, according to SLAM Magazine. “With that being said, LeBron has done so much for the game and he’s earned the opportunity to be able to take a rest, he’s earned that … He has done so much to elevate the game and has earned the right for us to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

James has expressed his belief recently that he’s the reason the NBA is up in arms about the rest issue, so having Bryant in his corner is nice. But it’s worth remembering that Bryant, who was known for his near-unprecedented work ethic and competitiveness during his playing days, had a strong aversion to sitting out games himself. With both guys transcendent superstars of their respective eras, it’s probably safe to say that they operate on a different playing field than everybody else when it comes to the debate over rest.