After another tough loss to the Phoenix Suns, the main story coming out of the game was the altercation between Nick Young and several Suns. With his reaction and teammates’ responses after the game, Young did not like that none of his teammates backed him up during the scuffle.
Young’s teammates were not too happy about it with Kendall Marshall saying that Young should have reacted better. Rookie Ryan Kelly was also angry about being called out on Time Warner Cable Sportsnet by former Laker Robert Horry. Kobe Bryant spoke to the media on Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters asked him about the altercation:
Kobe: "For Nick I think it was a good sign. He hasn't shown that competitive streak since he's been in the league."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 18, 2014
Kobe (on Nick Young) said that competing "seems like it means more to him."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 18, 2014
It seems as if Bryant understands where Young is coming from. In the heat of the moment, Young felt disrespected and all he saw was white jerseys around him. Kelly was in the area, but was basically a non-factor and no one seemed anxious to go to the situation.
In the NBA, there are certain players who you know will step in the face of anyone who disrespects their teammates. Kendrick Perkins, Matt Barnes, and Laker favorite Derek Fisher are all players who will make sure nothing happens to their teammate.
The Lakers don’t need someone starting fights and escalating situations for any reason, but a teammate should never feel abandoned either. There is a thin line and as Bryant said, these young players will learn that.
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