Bryant Getting Another Role

Kobe Bryant last week was bringing the ball up and initiating the offense on final possessions of quarters, even if that just meant trying to beat his man instead of being a true playmaker. It happened, on a couple of occasions, with Nick Van Exel also out there, as Coach Del Harris tried to take advantage of Bryant’s ballhandling skills and quickness against a small forward.

Now comes Harris trying to make sure his fast-improving rookie continues to get playing time: Kobe Bryant the point guard.

It’s more of a third option, after shooting guard and the frontcourt, but time will be at a greater premium than before because of the addition of Robert Horry, so Bryant has practiced at the point the last couple days. Monday, he was on the same team as Derek Fisher for part of the scrimmage, and it was Bryant who handled the ball.

“I’m just trying to increase the versatility on the team and the flexibility thereof,” Harris said.