The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on the outside looking-in in terms of the Western Conference playoff picture, but superstar Kobe Bryant is willing to do what he has to do as team leader to ensure that the team doesn't miss the playoffs entirely.

According to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, Bryant says he is willing to play a full 48 minute game if it will help guide his Lakers to victory.

Over the past several games, Bryant has played 40-plus minutes and the Lakers needed him for every minute earned. Though he's willing to play all 48 minutes, the effects it'll have on his body has to be a main concern for the team.

Even if here were physically able to will himself to play a full 48 minute game, the impact of all the compounded minutes has certainly shown that it has impacted him and has been an issue in recent games. If Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni can't figure out a way to use Bryant or his other players differently, Bryant's minutes are surely not going to see a decrease anytime soon.

The Lakers will be back on the court Tuesday to take on the New Orleans Hornets, a must win if they'd hope to make a late season run into the playoffs. The Utah Jazz, currently in the eighth seed, will be in action as well against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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