Kobe Bryant would comply with the Los Angeles Lakers request for him to rest for the remainder of the season if they ultimately make that decision.

"I will do what they ask of me, but it's very, very hard for me to miss one game," Bryant said Thursday. "I'm not going to be here much longer, so the games that I play, I want to make sure that I'm playing and enjoying it and appreciating it." 

Byron Scott has been adamant that neither he nor the team's front office has had any discussions at this point about shutting down Bryant, but Scott did say this week that "I'm pretty sure if we're [not in] playoff contention in March or something like that, then we might discuss that." 

Bryant has missed several games after playing heavy minutes earlier in the season.

"Seriously, I understand," Bryant said. "I understand. It's my responsibility to be ready every single night and when I step out there on the floor to give it my all. If they want to shut me down, if they decide to sit me out, I will do what's asked of me. It's that simple." 

When asked about management's position in terms of him missing games, Bryant said, "Save these steps as much as possible. If my knees are a little sore, if my Achilles is tight ..." 

Bryant was asked what those steps would be saved for.

"To try and get another year out of me," Bryant said, laughing. "Probably. You know me, man. If I say that's it, that's it."