Byron Scott is once again trying to diagnose the many, many problems that are befalling the Los Angeles Lakers. Now he believes that his team is mentally drained.
“From a mental standpoint, we just look like we’re fried,” Scott said Sunday after the Lakers lost to Memphis 112-96, via ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. “We’re not reacting accordingly and everything is a step or two behind.”
Scott didn’t call effort into question, but was critical of the team’s focus and execution, noting that in the past two games the team had failed to run the assigned defensive scheme on the very first play of the game.
“Tonight, just like the last game against the Clippers, just too many mental mistakes,” Scott said. “It seems like we’re a step or two slow on reacting on everything right now. I don’t think it’s physical, to be honest with you. I think tonight, the effort was there.”
With the team’s record at 5-26, the losing is definitely taking a toll on the Clippers, and Scott’s repeated criticisms of his young team may not be helping. He’s called them pathetic, he’s called on them to man up, and he’s benched some of his most promising young players for no discernible reason. With all that in mind, is it any wonder that they’re in a bad place mentally?
