Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is undeniably one of the best shooting guards to ever play in the NBA but next season he might see time playing as a small or power forward.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott told NBA.com, "If we don't get another guard, then Kobe's in that mix. I'm kind of going through those scenarios. But not necessarily as far as who's starting and who doesn't. ... I think [Bryant] will play more 3 than 2. If we can get him at the elbows and at the mid-post, the more effective he'll be."
The purple and gold franchise is loaded with guards next season with the most notable being rookie D'Angelo Russell, the returning Jordan Clarkson and free agent signing reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams.
Scott believes Bryant playing as a forward will "save his legs" since he does not need to run that much.
He added, "But if we can get him where he operates best, which to me is elbows on each area, top of the key, at the pinch post, at the mid-post, then I think he can be real effective for us."
Scott also said there is no doubt Bryant can play the no. 1, 2, 3 and if needed the 4 position.
"With his tenaciousness, the way he guards people and when his mind is set, if I say, 'Kobe, you've got him,' he takes that as a challenge. You know how he is. He'll compete," Scott added.
The goal for the Lakers this offseason is to get versatile, according to Scott, and he believes they have achieved that.
Meanwhile, longtime Lakers trainer Gary Vitti shared with the Los Angeles Times how he spoke to Bryant about playing as a small forward.
Vitti said he told Bryant that he believes Russell will be a future star, then the 37-year-old star asked who was going to play small forward.
"I looked at him and I said, 'You.' And with absolute, 100% confidence, he said, 'I can do that,'" Vitti added.
