Things are not going well for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team started out struggling and is still suffering from the same woes despite a lineup change. Head coach Byron Scott continues to search for answers as the Lakers keep losing games, but it is testing the patience of the players in the process. After benching Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin, the players are speaking out while Kobe Bryant's future is put into doubt.
Scott made a move over the weekend to change up the Lakers' lineup which involved benching Lin and Boozer in favor of Ed Davis and Ronnie Price. Both Boozer and Lin called the move extremely surprising as it did nothing to spark the team which fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 104-97. Boozer left without speaking to reporters, but is now saying he was not thrilled with the move.
"Obviously it was a surprise," Boozer said, via ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I didn't expect that, but if helps our team win, I'm a team player. That's just his opinion. I have a different opinion. I'll keep it to myself. It's different coming off the bench. I've never come off the bench my whole career. 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."
There is no word on whether or not the changes will remain as the Lakers prepare to play the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Both Boozer and Lin are not expected to return next season as their contracts end and according to general manager Mitch Kupchak, he does not expect Bryant to be around much longer either. With a contract that expires after the 2015-16 season, Kupchak believes that will be the veteran's last deal.
"All indications are, to me, from him, that this [two-year contract extension] is going to be it," Kupchak said. "If somebody's thinking of buying a ticket three years from now to see Kobe play, I would not do that. Don't wait. Do it this year."
Bryant has been coy about his intentions for the future. He told Yahoo Sports that when he stops enjoying the sport, then he will know retirement is the best option. Could roster upgrades convince Bryant to stick around? The Lakers are planning on targeting players like Rajon Rondo and Marc Gasol in the future which could push the veteran to sign another deal.
