Lakers coach Byron Scott plans on continuing his strategy of limiting the minutes of the team’s younger players despite the team’s poor record, according to Robert Morales of the Long Beach Press-Telegram. Scott’s philosophy has not been met with unanimous enthusiasm by fans of the team, nor the front office, which acknowledged the conflict between Kobe Bryant’s high usage and the need for young players like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle to see minutes and touches. Morales also noted that part of the team’s plan is to use Bryant as an example of the sort of work ethic they want their young players to adopt.
This brings me to today’s topic: What is your opinion of Byron Scott’s player usage thus far this season?
The argument could be made that Scott is paid to win basketball games, and since part of his job security is tied to his won-loss record, he should play who he believes gives him the best chance to win. Plus, with Bryant in his last season, should the team not try and milk the farewell tour for all that it’s worth? After all, he is making $25MM for the season, so Los Angeles may as well let him work for it. Of course, the other side of the debate is that the franchise needs to do all it can to develop its young assets. This will not only help in identifying areas that need to be addressed via the draft and free agency. Plus, I’m sure many Lakers fans would rather see Russell and Randle on the court as much as possible, warts and all.
Which side of the fence do you sit on? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts, opinions or rants against whomever in the Lakers organization you wish. We look forward to what you have to say.
The team’s use of Kobe is down in the past couple of weeks, and I think that’s where the team is headed, ultimately. Kobe is stubborn, but he’s not foolish, and he’s wise enough to know that the younger Lakers need their chances if his beloved purple-and-gold is to return to glory anytime soon.
If B. Scott thinks playing Kobe, Williams, and Hibbert for extensive minutes a night is going to keep the Lakers competitive, he’s out of his mind. There’s no reason the Lakers’ young guys should be on the bench more often than on the floor. If the Sacramento Kings didn’t exist, I’d say the Lakers have the worst franchise philosophy in the league right now.
HORRIBLE! Your 3-21. Why play vets when you can have you young ins get valuable experience
The young guns might help them win too many games.
Scotts an OG. Like that older brother at the Y who backs you down from half court talkin junk at u like u really need to learn somethin from him while he misses 5 shots str8 n then tries runnin pont. Gettin mad if u miss a layup or drop the pass like hes never seen it happen before. You know, the same brother whos talkin to anyone who will listen and always got nxt. Once his boys are gone n he cant auto call next, the young bucks will run his @$$ outta the gym reeeeeal quick.
Byron is to hard headed the season was over ten games into it he just needs to ride off into the sunset with Kobe and let the lakers move onto the young guys
Byron Scott is doing as fine as a job giving the circumstances. He has one hand tied behind his back.
1. This season is all about Kobes last season. Weather you agree or disagree that should be a primary objective, Kobe is a legend, a super star and people want to see him perform one last time.
2. The Front office has invested 25 million and plan on extracting everybit of the Kobe show as they can.
3. The players development is the second objective. There is a lot of time being dished out too Russel, Clarkson, Randle and Nance. They should earn there place and there minutes should increase more and more during the season. Russel is 3rd among all 60 rookies in minutes. He gets a lot burn.