No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell and sophomore guard Jordan Clarkson have bumped superstar Kobe Bryant out of position in the Los Angeles Lakers lineup, according to ESPN.
Byron Scott paired Jordan Clarkson as shooting guard with D'Angelo Russell as playmaker during summer league -- a pairing that could bump Kobe Bryant to the power forward spot at times.
The Lakers also added guard Lou Williams in offseason, making their backcourt--that also includes Nick Young--quite crowded.
Scott, who said he felt the team achieved some versatility with Clarkson, Russell, Williams, might not be finished adding guards.
The Lakers coach said that said that Bryant can play 1, 2 and 3, unless they tap the services of another guard.
If that happens, Bryant might no longer be in the mix--meaning he would have to play forward almost exclusively.
Bryant expressed confidence before trainer Gary Vitti that he could take on the small forward post.
However, since Scott is also contemplating on using Bryant at the power forward spot, he made it clear that it is also for the superstar's benefit.
Scott said that at the 4 position, Bryant need not use the whole 94-foot floor to, which could "save his legs." The coach is now pondering on how to best utilize Bryant--such as at the elbows of each area, pinch post,mid-post and top of the key.
Scott added that with Bryant's tenaciousness and defensive skills,he can take the challenge and compete --when his mind is set on it.
The Lakers' latest move is seen as a preparation for the post-Bryant era.
Russell, Clarkson and forward Julius Randle are expected to help the Lakers be competitive during the the transition.
Meanwhile, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, according to the website Score, said that their vision is for Clarkson and Russell play together in their backcourt for the next 10 to 12 years.