After being diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right thumb, which he’ll be getting surgery for on Monday, Nick Young was still out on the practice floor doing conditioning drills and defensive slides on Saturday morning. Ryan Kelly (moderate hamstring strain) and Xavier Henry (back spasms) both sat out of practice.
There’s positive news for Kelly on the horizon. Lakers head coach Byron Scott says he’s hoping to have Kelly back at practice late next week. Scott was unable to give a timetable for Henry.
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There was some initial concern surrounding Steve Nash, who tweaked his left ankle during conditioning drills on Saturday morning, but Nash assured the media that he feels fine and will definitely be ready for practice on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant said losing Nick Young for several weeks is definitely a big loss, saying he brought “enthusiasm, offensive punch and chemistry” to training camp. Scott said with Young out, there will likely be situations when Bryant plays the three.
Bryant also had some high words of praise for Wesley Johnson who worked out with Kobe down in Orange County all summer long.
“He looks phenomenal. He looks incredible. He can run all day, he’s defending with a passion. He’s covering lanes. He’s shooting at gaps defensively. He’s playing post defense, perimeter defense. He’s doing it all.”
Jeremy Lin reiterated how difficult training camp has been under Lakers head coach Byron Scott, and said Saturday’s morning practice resembled the toughness of day one.
Lakers are scheduled to have a second practice this evening and will return back to the court on Sunday.
Jeremy Lin Joking Around About Why He Won’t Be Calling Nick Young, Swaggy P
