Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott has made some decisions this year that make a bunch of people scratch their head from time to time. Leaving Kobe Bryant in the game when he’s shooting a god awful percentage, benching his young stars when he should be developing them and even making some of the weirdest lineups you could ever see on the floor.
One of the best things Byron has actually done this season, quite possibly the best, was listen to Kobe Bryant in last night’s Lakers matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following from Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times.
Kobe did not play after 3:56 of third quarter because he told Byron, "Let them go." He was talking about Lakers young players.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) December 10, 2015
The young kids played and they made it a nice game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, primarily out of D’Angelo Russell who dropped 21 in the second half alone. He made some tough, clutch shots when the Lakers needed it the most but the Timberwolves did come out with the win.
Russell being in the game late was a shock to some Lakers fans, especially without Kobe playing one single minute in the fourth quarter or overtime. Russell said he feels honored by Kobe’s suggestion to Scott.
Following from Mark G. Medina of the L.A. Daily News.
D'Angelo said "it's an honor" Kobe told Byron to keep him in: "He easily could’ve told coach he wanted that shot to add to his collection"
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 10, 2015
This should be something that Byron does more, especially in games that Kobe is playing less than stellar, which is quite often. The Lakers aren’t going to contend for an NBA Championship anytime soon, let alone the playoffs so instead of Byron Scott forcing guys to play who obviously don’t have it, take a chance. Put the youth out there and let the kids play. Last night was D’Angelo Russell’s coming out party and it could be a sign of things to come.
