NBA teams
Baxter Holmes, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

Nick Young benched, avoids media

NBA, Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES -- Nick Young was a no-show in the second half for the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at Staples Center, benched by coach Byron Scott after struggling in the first half.

The Lakers' reserve guard was then a no-show after the Lakers' 99-87 loss to Houston, leaving without speaking to reporters after going scoreless for the first time for the Lakers in eight minutes of playing time -- his fewest as a Laker.

It was an unusual move for the jovial Young in avoiding the media after the game, as "Swaggy P" relishes the chance to provide colorful quotes.

Either way, Scott said he wasn't happy with Young's effort.

"It looked to me that he didn't want to be here," Scott said.

"At halftime, we showed stuff on the tape where he was guarding [Houston swingman Corey] Brewer in the corner. I asked [Young], 'What were you thinking on his play?' The answer he gave me, I couldn't figure it out. So I just felt with his body language that he didn't want to play tonight, so I chose not to play him."

The Lakers are scheduled to practice Monday, when Young will likely be available to address his benching.

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