Nick Young to come off the bench for Los Angeles Lakers
By Wes Goldberg
One of the few bright spots for the Los Angeles Lakers last season was Nick Young, who was at least entertaining to watch. With Kobe Bryant returning from injury, however, Young’s status in the rotation was a question. According to Mark Medina, new head coach Byron Scott plans to bring Swaggy P off the bench this season in favor of Wesley Johnson.
Scott leaning toward starting Wesley Johnson at 3 over Nick Young. Wants Wes' athleticism & potential on D, while Young can score off bench
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 11, 2014
Bringing Young off the bench makes a lot of sense when you consider the starting lineup will likely include Jeremy Lin, Bryant, Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill. Lin, Bryant and Boozer need the ball in their hands to be effective, and so does Young. By starting Wesley Johnson at the 3, it gives the Lakers a defensive-minded wing who complements the rest of the starting five.
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With the return of Bryant, this makes sense for the Lakers. Young is too ball dominant to start in the same lineup as him. Putting the two together would be a waste and a liability on defense.
Rather, Scott will be able to call on Young when he needs an offensive punch. It also allows him to play Young at either the 2 or 3 and stagger his minutes with those of Bryant.
Young, 29, averaged a career-high 17.9 points per game last season, along with 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He shot 43.5 percent from the floor, including 38.6 percent from three.