Kobe Bryant Says LeBron James Has Earned the Right to Rest

One of the biggest stories in the NBA right now is about star players sitting out games to rest, the biggest name in the controversy is LeBron James.  While on ESPN’s First Take, Kobe Bryant discussed the issue.  Bryant is known for playing every game his body will allow him to; in fact, his Achilles tear has been attributed to the many games he played that season.  Despite all that, Bryant agreed with James rest, citing that he deserved it.

“When you miss a game, there is that one kid out there who isn’t going to be able to see his favorite player play. With that being said, LeBron has done so much for the game and he’s earned the opportunity to be able to take a rest, he’s earned that…He has done so much to elevate the game and has earned the right for us to give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Bryant was asked if he was ever asked to take a night off.

“I’ve never been approached by a coach and asked to rest…They knew better than that.”

Kobe was then asked if thought his Achilles tear injury could have been avoided had he rested more during the season.

“I think it wound up being a blessing in disguise for me. When the achilles tear happened, it woke me up like, you’re career can come to an end now, what are you going to do? I’ve been thinking and planning and now I need to start putting things into action, I can’t sit back passively because this could be over now and then what are you going to do?”

h/t SLAM