Byron Scott removed D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle from the starting lineup. Scott also reduced their minutes.
Could the Lakers coach handle the promising young players any worse?
Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:
Byron said he has not talked to Russell and Randle about their demotions: "It's a big boys league. You got to come to work everyday."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 9, 2015
Byron credits Russell and Randle for accepting their role: "They haven't moped around."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 9, 2015
In other words: Scott credited Russell and Randle for overcoming Scott.
Good coaches communicate well with their players. They ensure everyone understands their roles, even if they dislike them. They give their players a chance to share their thoughts.
Scott admits he’s not doing that with Russell and Randle.
He’s also not winning. The Lakers are 3-18 this season and were 21-61 last season.
Nor is he maximizing the development of Russell and Randle. They need playing time.
So, why are the Lakers insisting on keeping Scott? They couldn’t find someone else who will lose enough the rest of the season to keep their top-three protected first-round pick while better communicating with players and developing the young ones?