LOS ANGELES -- Nick Young and D’Angelo Russell didn’t say much new information when they separately spoke to the media ahead of the Lakers-Heat game on Wednesday night to comment on a video recording that seemed to show Young admitting infidelity.
Young spoke first for a brief 30 seconds, saying that he believes “it’s best if me and D’Angelo handle the situation we have in a private matter outside the media.”
Russell walked in next and started by stating that he feels “sick.”
“I wish I could make things better right away, but I can’t,” Russell said.
The rookie then said he has spoken to Young about the video and that he takes full responsibility.
“I’ve reached out to him, talked a little bit. I let him know my apologies,” Russell said. “I don’t know if they were accepted. I wouldn’t blame him.” When speaking of their friendship, Russell spoke in the past tense.
Young, prior to speaking, tweeted and then quickly deleted this:
Russell said he had no idea how the video leaked but was adamant that his phone wasn't hacked. He said he only intended for the video to be viewed by him and Young.
“We joke around and we play around all the time, saying crazy things, and this just got in the wrong hands. This wasn’t a prank,” Russell said.
The 20-year-old said he hasn’t been “isolated by the team,” but that there’s a “bad vibe.”
“At this point the damage has been done. The best thing you can do is own up to it. That’s what I did. I’m just taking what comes with it,” Russell said.
Head coach Byron Scott spoke ahead of both of his players. He echoed Young’s statement, saying it’s an internal matter.
Scott did admit that he feels some level of concern in terms of how this situation will erode trust and chemistry on the floor, but he also said that he believes this all will pass.
"This is life. You deal with it and move on," Scott said.
As if there wasn't enough scrutiny, after Wednesday night, Kobe Bryant has just seven games remaining in his career.
