Byron Scott on Why Nick Young Hasn't Been Playing: "He's Not Here With Us, Mentally"

Byron still says the decision "has everything to do with basketball."

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Nick Young has played in a game for Los Angeles Lakers since March 8. During Monday's practice, Lakers head coach Byron Scott explained why Young has been riding the bench for the last 11 games.  

Per ESPN

"It has nothing to do with the chemistry," Scott said at practice Monday. "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."

Prior to Sunday's game against the Boston Celtics, Byron listed Young as inactive while adding Metta World Peace to the active roster because Scott considered him to be the "more valuable player." Since the video involving Swaggy P leaked, Young has been dealing with the aftermath, on and off the court and Scott knows this. "I was thinking about that for the game last night -- who to put on the IR -- and my first thought was Metta [World Peace]. But then I said, 'I can use Metta,'" he told ESPN. "It was strictly a basketball decision. It's all based on because I know how [Young]'s feeling right now. He's not really here with us." With six games remaining, Young could sit out the rest of the season.   

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[via ESPN]

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