Different Laker players have gone through their individual workouts. Jacob Rude wrote about the 5-on-5 action that went on today with video. As Laker fans, we know what to expect from most of the Laker players, including the drafted rookies and free agents. None of us have seen what Kobe Bryant has done this summer.
Byron Scott has an expectation of Kobe Bryant’s scoring.
"Yet, Scott offered positive assessments on Bryant’s left knee and Nash’s back after working out at the Lakers’ facility in recent weeks.“He’s gotten older, but can still get it done,” Scott said of the 36-year-old Bryant. “I see a guy who’s going to average 20-something points per game, will have a great year and have a lot of people eating crow.” – Mark Medina, LA Daily News (Link to the full article in the quote above)"
Kobe Bryant is exactly the kind of player who likes to meet or exceed expectations. Modern NBA superstars don’t play the villain as well as Kobe Bryant has. Some of his best playoff games have been done on the road. He was even booed at his homecoming All-Star game in Philadelphia where he won an All-Star MVP.
Can anyone else name an NBA superstar that was ever booed at an All-Star game?
Luckily for Laker fans, Kobe Bryant uses it as fuel to the fire. Some people talk about Kobe not ever playing well again. He hears it. He internalizes it. He’ll lay it all out on the floor. That’s what Laker fans love about him.
Byron Scott has set a bar that Kobe can meet. Considering Kobe Bryant’s age and his knee issues, it is a fairly lofty expectation. However, this has also been the longest period of rest from NBA games that he has ever had in his career.
Kobe’s will and determination has never been in doubt. We just hope his body can keep up.