The Los Angeles Lakers are a team preparing to rebuild which means no one is safe on the current roster. As the team looks to build around Kobe Bryant for what may or may not be his final season in the NBA, they also have the long-term future in mind. With money to spend in free agency, certain players on the current roster are hoping for a look in order to return next year.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Nick Young is on the chopping block this offseason. While young has excelled in the absence of Bryant, his contract with three years and $16.33 million left on it is not ideal for a team in rebuilding mode. The Times is reporting that the Lakers are willing to field offers for Young, but his contract is making interest slim at the moment. Young is very aware his spot on the roster is not guaranteed, but is hoping to return to Los Angeles in order to help the team improve.
"Right now, I'm just trying to forget about all that and focus on the relaxation I need," Young said, via the Los Angeles Times. "Get away from basketball and get a chance to miss it. Right now, I'm just trying to clear my head. I'm confident. Whatever happens, happens, and it's meant to happen. I've been prepared for everything. I just roll with the punches and keep doing what got me here."
Jeremy Lin is also hoping for a return to the Lakers. The point guard's season was more than forgettable and as his current contract expires, re-signing with the Lakers seems highly unlikely. Los Angeles benefitted from the rise of Jordan Clarkson who is cheaper to keep on and will be a solid backup for any other point guard the Lakers bring on in the offseason. Lin is still holding out hope of a new deal happening.
"I want to find a good place and hopefully the best place I can fit in at," said Lin. "I want to be able to find a good fit for me."
The Lakers are targeting several big names in free agency including Rajon Rondo which means Lin will most likely be on the outside looking in. Bryant has already been putting in the recruiting efforts on the point guard while others like Kevin Love, Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge remain priorities as well.
