After spending three games on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers returned home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday night. Unfortunately, the Lakers fell short 104-103 as Kobe Bryant missed the potential game winner.
The Lakers were without Nick Young for the majority of the fourth quarter. Young received a Flagrant-2 and was thrown out of the game after shoving Steven Adams’ throat with his forearm. Following the loss, head coach Byron Scott commented on Young’s importance to the team and his ejection, according to Lakers Nation senior writer Ryan Ward:
Byron Scott on Nick Young ejection: “He’s too valuable to overreact and get kicked out of the game”
— Ryan Ward (@Lakers_Examiner) December 20, 2014
Young scored on a 23-footer just before the altercation to bring the Lakers within seven. He finished the night with 10 points and could’ve helped the Lakers down the stretch with his offense. Coming into the game, Young was the team’s second leading scorer by averaging 15.3 points a game. Young wasn’t the offense the Lakers missed on the night as Bryant also struggled only shooting 3 for 15.
Bryant looked to get his other teammates involved early picking up eight assists. With Bryant distributing the ball, other Lakers were given the chance to shine.
Ed Davis led the team in scoring on the night with 18 points. He also added nine rebounds which included two key tip-ins in the fourth. Ronnie Price started the game strong scoring 14 points, including four three pointers, in the first quarter.
As with all flagrant fouls, the league will review the call and determine if the referee’s call was correct. It will also determine if any suspension will be implemented for Young.
[divide]WATCH: Nick Young Get Ejected, Rips Steve Adams