The team and its star guard/forward haven’t played to expectations this season, in fact they look terrible. The Nets are the first team they’ve held below 100 points for a game this season and the offense is shooting just 41 percent from the floor and just over 30 percent from three-point territory.
To make matters worse, the return of Kobe hasn’t been good as the veteran himself stated after a recent loss. Averaging 16 points per game won’t help this team win games and his .321 shooting percentage is just making things tougher on the youngsters in the lineup and that has started some rumblings in Southern California on a potential move to the bench, at least until he finds his shooting stroke.
Head coach Byron Scott has told reporters he believes everything will be just fine and an injury during training camp is the main reason for the slow start, but for the LA Lakers to move forward and learn to win basketball games without the legend, moving him to the bench now might be the best option.
A number of NBA experts expect Kobe Bryant to hang up his sneakers after the 2015-16 season and if he continues to play at the low level that he’s started the year with, it could happen. However, the future Hall of Fame player has always proved his doubters wrong and the players and management of the “purple and gold” fully expect a return to greatness and leadership. When his confidence returns,he could lead this group of young players to a possible berth in the playoffs and perhaps another year or two of basketball in Los Angeles.
