Bryant is averaging 11.6 shots per game…
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Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott has insisted that he wants to see Kobe Bryant take more shots as the veteran has seemingly reduced his numbers recently.
Bryant has averaged close to a triple-double in the last three games since returning from a three-game rest last week, but the Lakers coach wants to see him shoot more moving forward.
“It’s been interesting,” Scott said after practice Saturday.
“He’s really trying to keep his [shot attempt] numbers down to the 14, 15, 16 area, and I want him up in the 18, 19 area, but I can’t argue with the results. He’s getting everyone involved. He’s rebounding the ball and had 8, 9, 11 assists in the last couple of games. I can’t argue with the results and he’s still being aggressive as far as looking for his shots but he’s still being aggressive as far as looking for his teammates. I would like his shots to be up more up, but I can’t argue with the way he’s playing.”
Prior to taking a rest, Bryant was averaging over 22 shots per game and went 8-for-30 from the field in Sacramento. However, in his three games since, he has cut his shot total in half and he is now attempting 11.6 shots per game.
Bryant insisted that the time away from the court not only allowed his body time to heal from general body soreness, but it enabled him to adjust his game after watching his teammates and seeing where they are able to make an impact.
The 36-year-old was at the Lakers training facility on Saturday but he did not practice with the team as Scott sent him back home to rest not long after he arrived. However, he is expected to start against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
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