Lakers’ Byron Scott on Nick Young: ‘He's not here with us, mentally’

Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott discussed his decision to bench guard Nick Young on Monday, saying that his player has struggled both on the court and mentally.

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Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott discussed his decision to bench guard Nick Young on Monday, saying that his player has struggled both on the court and mentally, according to ESPN. 

Young is currently going through the worst season of his nine-year career, scoring 7.3 points on 33.9% shooting. In his first two seasons with the Lakers, Young averaged 17.9 and 13.4 points, respectively.

The 30-year-old is also dealing with attention on his life off the court stemming from a leaked video, recorded by teammate D’Angelo Russell, which shows Young discussing women other than his fianćee, Iggy Azalea.

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“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.”

With six games left for the Lakers in the regular season, it is unclear if Young will play again. He was placed on the inactive list for Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, and Scott did not commit to removing him before the end of the season.

“I don't know yet,” Scott said. “Things can change.”