Lakers’ Kobe Bryant skips morning shootaround after feeling “exhausted”

Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins defends against Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Andrew Wiggins defends against Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

AUBURN Hills, Mich. — In nearly single file fashion, the Lakers exited their locker room following their film session and made their way onto the bus. That is except for Kobe Bryant.

He skipped morning shootaround in preparation for the Lakers’ (4-13) game on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons (3-14) at the Palace for reasons beyond just his usual custom to rest. Lakers coach Byron Scott reported Bryant “looked exhausted” on the team flight on Monday and texted him Tuesday morning asking if he could stay at the team hotel for additional rest. Yet, Scott said Bryant will still play tonight against Detroit.

Bryant has sat out of most recent practices and shootarounds. But he still was within the Lakers’ premises both to receive treatment and watch film.

“This has nothing to do with injury or things like that,” Scott said. “This is all about trying to preserve his body as much as possible and let him get rest. Recovery time is the most important thing right now. We want him to be as strong as he can be for the games.”

Bryant received antibiotics late Monday night, but it is unclear how serious any symptoms might be if any. But the Lakers’ star conceded following the Lakers’ win on Toronto that it’s become “very challenging” balancing his workload and recovery. He has spent the past week spending most waking hours either receiving massages, having ice baths or resting completely.

Yet, Bryant still has averaged a league-leading 26.7 points albeit a career-low 39.2 percent shooting. He also recorded his 20th career triple double in Sunday’s win over Toronto, while also becoming the first player in NBA history to record a career 30,000 points and 6,000 assists.

Moving forward, Scott said Bryant’s mere presence at practice and shootarounds will hinge on a simple variable.

“It depends on how he feels,” Scott said. “I go by his body and how he feels at that particular time.”

Scott said in recent days that will he make lineup changes, but he said that won’t take place against the Pistons.

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