The Los Angeles Lakers open their 2015-16 regular season 0-4, after dropping 120-109 to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night at Staples Center. Jordan Clarkson tied a career-high with 30 points, 20 of which came in the first half, on a 12-19 clip, knocking down four of his six three-point attempts.
“D’Angelo (Russell), he got me some easy looks,” Clarkson said on why he was so effective. “He was getting in there off the pick-and-roll, throwing it back, letting us play on the other side. So I give a lot of the credit to him.”
Lou Williams also scored 24 points, hitting a career-high 16 free throws on 19 attempts, which was the main reason for Williams getting the nod over Russell to end the game.
“What factored was that Lou was getting to the free throw line and really kept us in the game,” Scott responded when asked about Russell sitting for the final minutes.
— What will Kobe Bryant make this season? Find out here! —
Kobe Bryant had another off rhythm shooting night, hitting just one of his five three-point attempts, including a couple airballs, finishing 4-11. Bryant was given the day off from Monday’s practice to rest and recover, after a public self-critical assessment of his poor performance in the Lakers last loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Scott, though, says it’s not Bryant that he’s concerned about.
“Kobe’s kind of the last person I worry about. I know how he is. He’s going to come to work, to get ready and do everything he has to do to get ready for the game. I’m not worried about him,” Scott said Tuesday. “I’m worried about all our young guys. On the court physically, as well as, emotionally and mentally.”
Check out all of the post-game videos below. The Lakers will practice on Wednesday before heading out East for a five-game roadtrip, starting with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night at 4:30PM PST.
Post-Game Recap: Byron Scott Not Worried About Kobe Bryant, Jordan Clarkson Ties Career-High
Kobe Bryant On What To Tell Lakers Fans That Are ‘Freaking Out’
Byron Scott On Why D’Angelo Russell Sat In Final Minutes Of The Game
