Byron Scott Tells Media To ‘Relax’ About Nick Young Not Playing

Ryan Ward
3 Min Read

After an impressive win over the Washington Wizards earlier this week, the Los Angeles Lakers seemed to carry over some of the ball movement and team-oriented gameplay against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Friday night.

Unfortunately, the Lakers couldn’t hold it together late in the fourth quarter with the Hawks taking control and ultimately coming out with the win. Los Angeles made plenty of mistakes throughout the game and head coach Byron Scott made some questionable moves, but it was Nick Young’s absence that left many wondering what was going on during Friday’s game.

Coach Scott was asked about why he chose to keep Young on the bench for a second straight game after the loss to the Hawks. Scott immediately responded with the following remarks about Young’s status via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:

Heading into the NBA off-season last summer, Scott made sure to let Young know that his game needed to improve on both ends of the floor in order get the minutes he’s used to playing. Although many wondered whether Young would react to the warning, the sixth man has played well in the first full month of the season and seems to have turned things around.

Despite Young playing well thus far, the 30-year-old has seemingly fallen out of Scott’s rotation for no apparent reason. Young hasn’t caused a fuss about not playing the last couple of games, but there’s no telling how long he may stay quiet if not given a reason for the benching.

Following the loss to the Hawks, the Lakers will go back on the road to play the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Kobe Bryant and company have five more games on the road before heading back to the Staples Center on Dec. 15 to host the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Ryan Ward is a Reporter/Editor and shares duties of being a Social Media Manager on a daily basis at Lakers Nation. As a credentialed member of the media, Ryan covers Lakers home games, press conferences as well as interviewing players from both the NBA and NFL. A Los Angeles native, but born and bred in the UK. Long-suffering Raiders fan and a Liverpool supporter since birth.