Kobe Bryant return will surely be a big boost for Los Angeles Lakers who missed the playoffs in the last two seasons.
When he does come back, waiting for him is a squad featuring a core of young guys, 2015 2nd draft pick D'Angelo Russell, 2014 All Rookie Team member Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle who had full season to recover from injury he had at the start of the 2014-15 season.
While Kobe Bryant return surely adds depth to their guard-oriented line up, fans might see him in another position, too. Throughout his career, he played mostly from point guard to small forward.
He might need to add one more when 2015-16 NBA season comes as Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott said the Black Mamba's defense will come handy when playing against bigs.
"The one thing that we wanted to do and accomplish through this draft and through free agency was to try and be a little more versatile, have some versatility," Scott told NBA.com.
"So I think (Clarkson, Russell, Williams) can definitely do that. Kobe can play one, two and three. There's no doubt in my mind. And there's some games. against some teams, where he'll probably play four. 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."
Kobe Bryant can surely rise to the challenge. However, with the injuries he suffered throughout the years, this might also cut short his playing years, or worse, gets injured mid-season.
The Western Conference is filled with skilled 4s who play physical. There is David West and LaMarcus Aldridge from San Antonio Spurs, Anthony Davis from New Orleans Pelicans, Harrison Barnes from Golden State Warriors, and more.
The Los Angeles Lakers line up is short with big men right now. Their tallest player is Ryan Kelly at 6'11. Randle, rookie Larry Nance, and Carlos Boozer all stand 6'9.
With this new role, will Kobe Bryant return be successful?
