Lakers’ Nick Young avoids suspension

Somewhat surprisingly, Nick Young was not suspended for the Lakers’ game Sunday against the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers’ forward was ejected after delivering a forearm to the throat of Oklahoma City center Steven Adams in the Lakers’ 104-103 loss Friday.

There was no further follow-up from the NBA.

“I’m a nice guy, man,” Young said before Sunday’s game. “I’ve said before, Swaggy P doesn’t get fined.”

Actually, he does. He was hit with a one-game suspension last season and lost $10,000 in salary after striking Phoenix guard Goran Dragic in the head. Had he been suspended for Sunday’s game, he would have lost $45,400 in salary.

The Lakers privately thought Young would be sidelined for Sunday’s game. The league typically frowns upon intentional contact in the head and neck area.

It’s possible that Adams’ reputation as an instigator weighed into the decision. He has been involved in several incidents that have led to opponents’ ejections or suspensions the last two seasons.

Not that the Lakers cared about the reasoning. Young and his 14.9 points a game were available Sunday.

“I don’t try to get into what the league thinks,” Lakers Coach Byron Scott said. “I have no idea. I just knew when I hadn’t heard anything today, that was good news.

“I didn’t think it was enough to warrant a suspension but I also understand their rule as far as above the shoulders. I didn’t really know what to expect.”

Scott did know one thing in particular about Young.

“He just has to learn to restrain himself,” Scott said.