Lakers coach Byron Scott plans to reduce Kobe Bryant's minutes to 32 per game, including sitting him at the end of the first and third quarters, reports the Los Angeles Daily News. Bryant is shooting a career-low 37.2 percent while averaging 35.4 minutes.
Scott also indicated he'll run fewer plays for Bryant and that he's asked his 36-year-old star to defer more to his teammates. Scott said Bryant "didn't embrace the idea immediately" but came around after the coach explained his thought process, per the paper.
"Then he was more like, 'OK coach, whatever you want to do, I'm on board,'" Scott said. "That's something I really appreciated."
Bryant sat out his first game of the season Tuesday, and the Lakers upset the Warriors. Bryant is expected to play Thursday at Chicago, with his status for Friday's game at Dallas to be determined.
Scott said Bryant's fatigue and recent "inefficient play" prompted the reevaluation, according to the paper. Bryant still ranks third in the NBA in scoring (24.6).
