There is no bad blood between Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick Young and Lakers coach Luke Walton. On Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center, Walton decided to bench Young for the whole game. However, it is all good and great between the player and the coach.
Coach Walton wanted to give a shot to some young talent, and Young was the one who paid the price. Young, who has been a starter in L.A. this season, was replaced by newly signed David Nwaba in the starting five. Nwaba is currently on his second 10-day deal and the coach wants to see what the recent signing can do on the court.
Except Nwaba, point guard Tyler Ennis was also given some minutes off the bench by Walton.
No problems, claims Nick Young
Nick Young was professional and caused no problems for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. The LakeShow currently holds a record of 20 wins and 46 losses on the season, and are the worst team in the Western Conference -- and the second worst in the NBA. The rest of the season for the Lakers will be about improving, developing, and experimenting. ''It’s that time of year you want to check out the young guys and evaluate them,'' Young said, according to Mark Medina of the Orange County Register. He added that he ''understands'' that, and that it's ''nothing personal.''
Walton noted how big of an impact Young has had on the Lakers this season
Nick Young is having a good season in L.A., averaging 13.4 points alongside an assist and 2.3 rebounds in 25.9 minutes per game on the season.
''Nick’s great,'' Walton said of Young, revealed Mark Medina of the Orange County Register. The coach praised Young more by saying that he has been ''one of our best two players all year long.''
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on next the Denver Nuggets in Colorado on Monday. Walton admitted that the shooting guard ''obviously wants to play,'' but he ''understands'' where the Lakers are and what they ''need to do.'' It remains to be seen if Young will get some playing time in Colorado.
