As a result, there has been a reported strain on Russell's relationship with Young, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Baxter Holmes. The 20-year-old addressed the media Friday to discuss some of the tension that's cropped up, per the Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina:
The Lakers said no fights have broken out, at least not yet. Should Young unleash his frustrations on Russell with a fist or a shove, however, the Lakers' rookie point guard contended, "I'd get physical back. I wouldn't necessarily say things got to that point or it's there yet," Russell said. "But if it does, you've got to deal with the consequences."
After the video had been made public, Russell apologized during a press conference prior to the team's 102-100 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, telling reporters he felt "as sick as possible," according to ESPN.com.
Russell also told reporters that he offered an apology to Young, but he came away from the interaction unsure of whether the two had an understanding.
"I reached out to [Young], let him know my apologies," Russell said, per ESPN.com. "I don't know if they were accepted. I wouldn't blame him [if he didn't]."
On Friday, Russell added that he won't actively approach Young as both players take a step back and evaluate the damage that has been done.
"It's kind of at this point where you need your space, and you can't force peace if it's not there," Russell said, per Medina. "You've got to let the time heal it."
At this rate, neither player needs additional distractions that would accompany a physical altercation. Rather, they'd both be served best by focusing their attention on the court as the Lakers seek...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
