The Los Angeles Lakers will be asking Kobe Bryant to give up playing the guard position to give way to new recruit D'Angelo Russell and sophomore Jordan Clarkson.

Observers see this as a preparation for Bryant to fade into the background.

To help in the transition, Lakers trainer Gary Vitti said Bryant will spend time at small forward, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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Bryant had expressed confidence in being able to play small forward.

His willingness to give way to the young guards also speak much about his commitment to the Lakers' success.

Coach Byron Scott, said an ESPN report, is also contemplating on fielding Bryant at power forward.

Scott said that Bryant's tenacity and defensive ability could make that possible. However, he added that the shift to power forward is also about preserving Bryant's legs as he would not have to use the entire 94-foot floor.

Furthermore, the Lakers also added guard Lou Williams to their guard corps that also includes Nick Young.

Scott may not be finished retooling their backcourt and said that if they get another guard, Bryant will have to focus on playing forward.

Utilizing Bryant at forward also allows the Lakers the option to field play three ball handlers at the same time, which many say could help boost the Lakers' 24th-ranked offense.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said he expects the Clarkson-Russell pairing to run their backcourt for the next 10-12 years.

Russell and Clarkson, along with forward Julius Randle, are being groomed to carry the Lakers in the post-Bryant era. Russell was taken by the Lakers as No. 2 draft pick in June.

On the other hand, Clarkson was drafted No. 46 overall in 2014 but came on strong in the second half of last season, posting 15.8 points and 5.0 assists per 38 starts. His efforts landed him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

According to Bleacher Report, Clarkson was also being transitioned from shooting guard to point guard and it remains to be seen how the arrival of Russell will impact his development.

TagsSmall Forward, Power Forward, Shooting Guard, D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson