Byron Scott On Nick Young: ‘He Didn’t Play Well Period’
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers were flying high heading into their Christmas Day matchup with the Chicago Bulls after beating arguably the best team in the league without Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center on Tuesday night with relative ease without their superstar, but couldn’t come up with a repeat performance on Dec. 25 at the United Center.

— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —

Even with Kobe stuck on the sidelines, Nick Young didn’t get much time on the floor to shoulder the load. Head coach Byron Scott wasn’t impressed with Young’s effort defensively and therefore didn’t play the team’s second-best player more than 17 minutes.

Scott talked about Young’s poor performance saying the following after the game, according to Janis Carr of the OC Register:

In his short time on the floor on Thursday, Young scored only three points on 1-of-6 shooting. Wesley Johnson led the Lakers with a team-high 19 points followed by Ed Davis with 16 and Carlos Boozer with 14.

Scott has been all about defense since becoming the team’s head coach in July. The former Laker great emphasized defense and keeping his players accountable for their effort on that end of the floor. Young clearly wasn’t cutting it for Scott and was stuck watching on the bench along with Kobe as the Bulls beat the Lakers, 113-93.

[divide]

Former Lakers Vlade Divac NAILS Half Court Shot At Laker Game


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Congratulates Shaquille O’Neal On HOF Induction

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to watch yet another franchise great enter the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. After winning three championships for the Lakers, Shaquille O’Neal will be enshrined into basketball immortality.

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Likely To Keep Thomas Robinson For Remainder Of Season

Journeyman power forward Thomas Robinson was the last person the Los Angeles Lakers signed before training camp, and many assumed he wouldn’t make it past the preseason…

Kenny Smith Believes LeBron James Will Finish NBA Career With Lakers

Once the 2023-23 NBA season officially ended for the Los Angeles Lakers, with the storied franchise falling…

Lakers News: Taurean Prince Prefers To Start Than Come Off Bench

This summer presents several tough decisions for the Los Angeles Lakers as they look to get back into contention…