Lakers’ Byron Scott considers Kobe Bryant “50-50” to play vs. Minnesota

Lakers coach Byron Scott says rookie guard D’Angelo Russell needs to be brought along slowly. HANS GUTKNECHT — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lakers coach Byron Scott says rookie guard D’Angelo Russell needs to be brought along slowly. HANS GUTKNECHT — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Despite Kobe Bryant receiving a full day to rest and receive treatment on his 37-year-old body, Lakers coach Byron Scott considered it a “50-50” chance Bryant will play in Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-35) at Staples Center.

“I don’t have an answer on that one right now,” Scott said. “Normally when he has a day off, he can have his rest and get his treatment. He’s rejuvenated and ready to go.”

Bryant has missed two of the past four games because of continued soreness in his right shoulder. Bryant had also nursed soreness in his right Achilles, but he has recently said no issues remain.

There marks some intrigue regardless of Bryant’s playing status as the Lakers try to avoid ending up on the wrong side of history. The Lakers (9-41) currently have a 10-game losing streak and are one defeat away from setting a franchise record for most consecutive defeats in a season. The Lakers also lost 10 consecutive seasons in the 1993-94 campaign under Magic Johnson. During the Lakers’ latest losing stretch, they have lost by an average of 16.8 points per game. The only competitive game entailed the Lakers’ two-point loss to Dallas last week in which Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki made a game-winning jumper.

“I haven’t heard the guys talk about it,” Scott said. “The theme is to play extremely hard for 48 minutes. Our effort is more the commitment tonight. Obviously we want to get the win along with that. But we have to do the first things first in order to have a chance to win. We have to play hard and have to play with a lot of energy. Our effort has to be at a maximum effort. If we do that, we feel we have a good chance to win.”


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