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:
Nick Young, DNP. Byron: "It's been just two games. Everybody's been acting like he's been out of the rotation for the last month. Relax."
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 5, 2015
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.