According to Nick Young, he is a Laker for life. The swingman has seen highs and lows this season on the struggling Los Angeles roster. Injuries have plagued his production as of late and with an expiring contract, the Lakers could very easily move on from him in favor of salary cap space for marquee players. With Los Angeles needing upgrades all over the court, does Young make the cut in 2014?
Young has missed 16 of the last 17 games thanks to a non-displaced fracture of the patella in his left knee. Many assume there is no motivation for Young to return. He could easily take the route that Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant took and just simply rule himself out for the remainder of the season since the Lakers are not making the postseason. However, Young realizes that these could be his last games as a Laker whether he wants them to be or not.
"For me, I just want to go out there and just end it on a good note," Young said, via ESPN.com. "I want to get out there. This could be my last couple times playing here. You never know. I'm a Laker fan for life."
Young has a player option for next season that would allow him to earn $1.2 million. Despite the knee injury, Young has the stats to warrant a much bigger deal if he hits the open market this summer. He is averaging 16.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in just over 28 minutes per game. The 28-year-old has carried the Lakers at times this year and could get a much better deal elsewhere.
Even though Mike D'Antoni is not likely to return next season, he certainly hopes Young does. The head coach praised the player for his demeanor during the down season and work ethic on the court. The Lakers are not likely to offer Young more money to stay which could be the issue. Los Angeles is looking to maintain as much salary cap space as possibly in order to start making a run at marquee players.
While Los Angeles could go after players like Carmelo Anthony, they are favoring a trade for Kevin Love this summer. The center does not become a free agent for another, but with little chance that he re-signs with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team could shop him to the highest bidder. The Lakers hope to be that team.
Los Angeles is going to get started on making serious moves for the future. Bryant has requested a change in the team attitude and noted that starts at the top. Retaining players like Young and making trades for someone like Love would certainly show serious change.