LA Lakers 2015 news: Kobe Bryant not taking charge to let younger players step up

Kobe BryantWikimedia Commons/Keith Allison

The Los Angeles Lakers have relied on franchise star Kobe Bryant for so long that now, he does not really want to take control to give their younger players a chance. 

In a report by ESPN, following their loss to the Sacramento Kings last Friday, Bryant said he will no longer take over games in order for the younger guys in the roster to develop. 

"It's difficult. But it has to be done," the 37-year-old basketball star also said about giving way to the likes of forward Julius Randle and guards Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell. 

Bryant is making a comeback after playing just 35 regular season games last season due to a rotator cuff injury. 

The 37-year-old is playing in his 20th season with the Lakers, which is a National Basketball Association (NBA) record.

Unfortunately, Bryant cannot help Los Angeles capture its first win this 2015–16 season as they failed in their first three games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and the Dallas Mavericks. 

In their recent 103–93 loss to the Mavs, one of the players Bryant is paving the way for shone as Randle recorded a double-double against the Mavs. 

The seventh-round pick of the 2014 NBA Draft tallied 22 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block in a losing effort. 

Bryant, who played only a combined 41 games in the past two seasons, followed with 15 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 31 minutes of action. 

The Lakers are trying to be cautious on the veteran following the injuries that plagued him in the past. 

Sadly for the Lakers, one of the younger players that Bryant wants to develop is having a hard time making an impact. 

Russell was the second-overall pick in this year's draft and had high expectations joining a franchise like the Lakers, but so far he has yet to live up to the hype. 

The Lakers will try to capture their first win when they host the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center this Tuesday.