Kobe Bryant officially out vs. Suns in Lakers back-to-back

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns in the second half of their back-to-back, but Kobe Bryant will set out Monday, Lakers head coach Byron Scott told media following their victory over the Detroit Pistons. Kobe played extended minutes (35:43 total), but only because the plan was to rest him against Phoenix.

The Lakers leaned heavily on Kobe against Detroit, and though he had another off night from the field, he nearly ended the night with a triple-double. His absence could open up more minutes for D'Angelo Russell, though, who sat out the entire fourth quarter after playing just 20 minutes against the Pistons.

Kobe told Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell that his back stiffened up and he didn't have his legs under him either following the team's win over the Pistons. Scott, Kobe and the training staff will have an extended break before the Lakers play again, with their next game coming Friday in Los Angeles against the Toronto Raptors.