Lakers head coach Byron Scott, doesn’t believe Nick “Swaggy P” Young is mentally present with the team right now. And, given what has transpired in Young’s personal life over the last several weeks, that makes complete sense. At Monday’s practice, Scott said:
It has nothing to do with the chemistry. It has everything to do with just basketball. Right now, I know what he’s going through, and I know it’s hard on him. But he’s not here with us, mentally, and there’s no need for me to put him out there on the floor.
Scott appears to be doing what’s best for Young. The reality of the situation is, the Lakers are going nowhere. These are the last few dates of the “Kobe Farewell Tour” and I suspect most of that locker room can’t wait for this miserable season to end.
Bottom line is Swaggy has not played well this season. Add in the D’Angelo Russell situation and the sexual harassment accusations made against he and teammate Jordan Clarkson and you can easily see why ending the season now might be best. Sometimes you have to take an “L.” This just might be one of those times.