EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Veteran forward Carlos Boozer wasn't happy with being benched in favor of forward Ed Davis, who started in Boozer's place Sunday night during the Los Angeles Lakers' 104-87 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
"Obviously it was a surprise," Boozer said after practice Monday. "I didn't expect that, but if helps our team win, I'm a team player."
Boozer left without speaking to reporters Sunday night, but Lakers coach Byron Scott confirmed after the game that Boozer wasn't pleased with the move. Scott said he made the lineup switch, which also included benching starter Jeremy Lin for Ronnie Price, to help improve the Lakers' defensive intensity.
"That's just his opinion," Boozer said. "I have a different opinion. I'll keep it to myself."
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak pulled Boozer aside and chatted with him for several minutes after practice Monday.
"Just me and Mitch talking, that's not for you guys, that's just for us," Boozer said.
Boozer said he and Scott have yet to talk about the lineup change, and Boozer said he learned of it before Sunday's game. Boozer scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds in 23 minutes. Davis added 12 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes.
"It's different coming off the bench. I've never come off the bench my whole career," Boozer said, adding that he approached Nick Young for advice on the adjustment. "I talked to [Young] about it, trying to stay warm on the bench, things like that. Hopefully we can start getting wins, if it works."