4. How many minutes a night do you play Kobe Bryant?
After missing essentially an entire season and securely in his late-thirties, Bryant is a fragile product. He needs to be treated delicately, even if it’s against his own will.
By all accounts, Bryant looks fully healthy and recovered this summer. This likely means he’ll be more than ready to go this season, and given his demeanor, he’s going to push the limit. It’ll be the responsibility of the coach, whoever that may be, to monitor his minutes and restrain him for overextending himself.
The Lakers need Bryant healthy. The more games he’s on the court, the more chances they have of winning. Furthermore, if he does play into another contract, it’ll be because his minutes were limited and he remains healthy. See how the Spurs have managed Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili over the years. That’s how the Lakers should handle Kobe.
PREDICTION: Kobe plays an average of 25 minutes a night.