Lakers' Nick Young (thumb) will make season debut Tuesday vs. Hawks
Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott said guard Nick Young will return from a thumb injury to make his season debut on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks, ESPN's Baxter Holmes reports.
Young tore a ligament in his right thumb during practice in early October while trying to steal the ball from Kobe Bryant, who responded by saying, "That's what happens when you reach in."
A 29-year-old shooting guard, Young averaged a career-high 17.9 points per game last season for the Lakers. He signed a four-year, $21.5 million deal with the team in the offseason.
Three other Lakers have had significant injuries already this season. Point guard Steve Nash has been ruled out for the season with a back injury, rookie forward Julius Randle will miss the season after breaking his right leg during the season opener, and Ryan Kelly is expected to miss six weeks after tearing his hamstring on Sunday.
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In their first season under Scott, the Lakers have opened 1-9, the worst start in franchise history.
Bryant leads the league in scoring at 27.3 points per game, but also leads the league in field-goal attempts. The Lakers are tied for No. 12 in scoring.
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Defense has been the team's main problem this season as it is allowing 112.1 points per game, nearly two points worse than the next-to-last team. After a loss to the Pelicans last week, Scott said the team's defense was the worst he has seen all season.
The Lakers play the Hawks at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Atlanta.
- Paul Palladino
