A case could be made that Byron Scott will have the toughest job in the NBA next season. Scott agreed to take on the task of rebuilding the Los Angeles Lakers with a 36-year-old Kobe Bryant leading the way and a roster that many people believe could be one of the worst in the Western Conference.
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Despite the odds clearly not in his favor, Scott is embracing the challenge while staying positive throughout the process. Scott wants his players to believe, not count out, the prospect of this team winning a championship next season.
One of the players on his roster that will be an important piece to the puzzle in Los Angeles next season is Nick Young. Scott was a fan of Young last season and has nothing but positive things to say about the veteran guard/forward.
According to an interview with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Scott may keep Young as the team’s best option off the bench:
“I liked how he played and how he was giving full effort on the defensive end, and I really love his energy. He cared about winning. He changed his whole persona, what people thought of him. I’d never seen him play defense before. I also saw him being unselfish at times where he made passes. I do love Swaggy coming off the bench.”
Although nothing is set in stone at this point, Scott seems to be leaning toward Young remaining the sixth man via Trudell:
“Probably. He will play together with Kobe as well, but I do love his energy and firepower being able to score the ball off the bench.”
Last season, Young averaged a team-high 17.9 points per game and quickly changed his perceived image in the NBA. Young proved that he’s still a force to be reckoned with offensively and a valuable asset to the Lakers franchise.
After signing a four-year deal last month, Young will be in the team’s long-term plans and a vital part to Scott’s rebuild in Los Angeles.
[divide]Interview: Lakers Coach Byron Scott Talks Nick Young, Kobe, Defense