The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets 106-96 Tuesday night, after being unable to contain Ty Lawson in the second half. Lakers rookie Jordan Clarkson was given the difficult defensive assignment but was pulled with 1:11 left in the game and Jeremy Lin subbed in. After the game, Lakers head coach Byron Scott said Clarkson was giving him too much space and too much respect. Clarkson agreed.
He (Byron Scott) said I gave him too much respect. I did. Just know that ain’t going to happen again.”
Lawson finished with 32 points and 16 assists. Most impressively, 28 of his points and 10 of his assists came in the second half.
— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —
Clarkson said his assignment on Lawson was probably his biggest “welcome to the NBA” moment. Clarkson admitted he was trying to force him left, but it didn’t work out.
Plus, in our video above, Clarkson talks about his plans for the NBA All-Star break, which include coming back early to get some work in with Steve Nash.
[divide]VIDEO: Byron Scott Explains Why He Benched Jordan Clarkson