Should Kobe Bryant Be Taking the Final Shot?

Kobe Bryant has missed his last 12 game-winning shots and aside from analytics, Bryant looks gassed.

One of the criticism’s of Mike D’Antoni was his over-usage of Kobe’s minutes when he tore his Achilles. Sad to say, Kobe’s headed in the same direction currently.

Byron Scott promised before the beginning of the season to enforce a minutes restriction for Bryant. So far he’s failed to deliver on his words.

Kobe isn’t going to take himself out. Byron has to do it. Based on their close bond, it’s in Bryant’s and the Lakers’ best interest to play him around 30 minutes per game.

By playing Bryant close to 40 minutes per game you are communicating that the Lakers cannot win without heavily relying on Bryant. Note you also have a willing candidate to pick up the slack in Nick Young.

Despite Bryant’s career “clutch” shot percentage, he should be handling the ball at the end of games. He is their best set-up man and if he is isolated he’s earned the right to hoist up the final shot. Yet even though Bryant is revered as a closer, he needs to be a willing passer and hit open teammates at the end of games.

Bryant is far beyond his prime, but when healthy, he’s still in the Top 5 for players to shoot the game winning shot. Before we bury Bryant for his PER this season, he’s actually not far off from being an elite player.

The assist he needs the most is from Head Coach Scott. The team builds more cohesion when Bryant’s not in the game. The Lakers chances of making the playoffs this season are dim, so it’s time to switch focus and start developing players like Jordan Clarkson. Kobe should be in the game during the final minutes, but it should not be predetermined that he shoots the final shot.