Kobe Bryant is 37 years old, playing in his 20th NBA season and has battled a multitude of injuries. Though he wasn’t able to fulfill his quest of playing every game this season, he’s still trying to play as many minutes as possible. During the Lakers 97-85 win over the Pistons, Bryant played a season high 36 minutes while dropping a near triple-double with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Though he was happy with the win, Bryant made it quite clear that his body was in agony.
“Right now, I’m barely standing up,” Bryant said via CBS Sports. “My back and my legs, man, it’s killing me.”
“I’m not looking forward to walking to the car right now,” Bryant said. “Seriously.”
In the fourth quarter, Bryant played all but the last seven seconds. Lakers head coach Byron Scott told reporters he and Bryant discussed this, and decided it was necessary because the game was close and the team desperately needed a win.
He will not play Monday against the Phoenix Suns — it will be the third time in four games that he’s sat out to rest.
