Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott made starting lineup changes on Sunday night in the team’s loss to the Pelicans, but Nick Young’s role off the bench was not one of them. Scott said he hasn’t yet considered moving him into the starting lineup because he likes what Young is able to provide off the bench.
Young told LakersNation.com that he actually thought he might start on Sunday, clarifying he thought Scott’s lineup changes might involve either himself or Wayne Ellington. Of course, it was Ed Davis and Ronnie Price that ended up getting bumped up to the starting unit.
Young’s always said he’s comfortable as a sixth man, but has he ever thought about what it would be like to hear his name called in the starting lineup?
If they want me to start, I’d like to hear my name called in that starting lineup, some time. See how it feel to play with Kobe a little bit more, but I’m comfortable.”
After their first practice under their belt with the new lineup changes, Young admitted it’s definitely an adjustment.
It was a little change because Jeremy Lin likes to look for his shot a little bit more than Ronnie Price, so we have to adapt to different players playing different positions.”
Young also said he’s already talked with both Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer about joining him on the bench. Young joked that he had to set the rules with Boozer and Lin about coming into his territory.
I told them they’re coming into my unit. Don’t come in messing with my household. I got this thing under control. We’ve got a strict situation here!”
Boozer, who Scott said wasn’t happy with the change, spoke up after practice on Monday. He said he was happy to do whatever to help the team, but also didn’t necessarily agree with the idea that Scott’s changes were a result of upping the defensive intensity in the starting lineup. Boozer confirmed he talked to Young about his new bench role, talking about how to stay warm on the bench.
The Lakers face the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on Tuesday.
[divide]Carlos Boozer, Byron Scott Don’t See Eye To Eye On His Benching