When Kobe Bryant got injured, I’m guessing the first thing on the Lakers’ front office’s collective hivemind was “How do we replace the ill-advised fadeaway jumpers that are a crucial part of our offense? Our numero uno goal this offseason is finding a way to mitigate the loss of Kobe.”
So they went out and got Nick Young.
But now Kobe’s back from his injury, and has resumed doing Kobe-esque things with the basketball. So why does Nick Young still get to play? His role has been reclaimed. There is simply not enough ball, and not enough teammates to look off, for Bryant and Young on the same team.
It’s still early. You can expect Young’s minutes to drop gradually until Kobe is back in form. Then he can collect butt splinters with Kaman on the rickety end of the bench.