The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their second consecutive game Friday night when they traveled to Dallas to play the new look Mavericks. Kobe Bryant sat out for a third straight game and the role players had to once again fill the void with the star of the team on the bench.
Nick Young has been the Lakers’ second best option on offense all season long, but he has struggled at times during Kobe’s absence. As for his performance against the Mavs, Young finished the game with 15 points on 5-16 shooting and a plus/minus of +6. However, the Lakers’ late fourth quarter rally fell short and team eventually lost by four, 102-98.
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Young did pick up another technical foul in Dallas and when asked by reporters about his recent interactions with the referees, Young provided a perfect response via Los Angeles Times’ Mike Bresnahan.
Nick Young on his recent penchant for picking up technical fouls: “I’m the new Rasheed Wallace.”
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 27, 2014
The Lakers had a very slow start to the game and the Mavericks opened up with a quick 10-0 lead. Los Angeles played catch-up for the remainder of the match and just couldn’t do enough to take the lead in the final minutes. At times, the tough stretches on both ends of the floor were frustrating and one can’t blame Young for expressing that.
Los Angeles will be back on the court Sunday night in Staples Center with Kobe Bryant expected to make his return. The Phoenix Suns will be in town and the Lakers will have a very tough time containing their three guards. Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas will be a handful for the Lakers and hopefully Bryant is ready for their speed and quickness.
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