Lakers Notes: Free Agents, Bryant, Scott

Kobe Bryant believes the Lakers‘ instability is hindering the team’s ability to attract free agents, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News writes. Bryant argues that the changes in ownership and in the front office were major factors in missing out on big name free agents over the last three seasons, including LaMarcus Aldridge, who decided to spurn Los Angeles in favor of San Antonio. “I don’t need to be a genius to figure that out,” said Bryant.

Here’s more from Los Angeles:

  • Bryant added that he would have enjoyed playing for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, Medina writes in the same piece. The 37-year-old suggested that he would have been open to sitting out more games during his career, akin to how the San Antonio handled Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker throughout their careers.
  • Coach Byron Scott expected more of rookie D’Angelo Russell at this point in the season, Mike Bresnaham of The Los Angeles Times writes. “I probably thought he’d be a little further,” Scott said while mentioning that Russell is 19 years old and still learning on the job. Russell was pulled from the starting lineup two months ago in an effort to keep the youngster’s ego under control.
  • After the All-Star break, Russell will likely return to the starting lineup, Medina relays in a separate piece, but don’t expect the coach to keep an open dialogue with the No. 2 overall pick about the decision. “He’s not old enough for me to have a meeting and discuss,” Scott said.
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