Kobe Bryant will be used by the Los Angeles Lakers to defend opposing team's best perimeter player.

Bryant has recently been charged to defend Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul.

"I think that really helped us," D'Antoni said. "It helped us against the Clippers with Chris Paul. (Bryant) wants to take the challenge, and it really helps us."

Bryant will expend more energy on the defensive end of the floor, leaving more of the offensive duties to others.

The Lakers currently rank sixth in points per possession, but just 21st on defense.