Nick Young has had his future with the Los Angeles Lakers come under fire recently as the team aims to try and rebuild and free up salary cap space in order to add players for the post Kobe Bryant era. Young's contract which has three years and $21.5 million left on it is no longer wanted on the Los Angeles pay roll which has the hooter facing trade rumors. However, with free agency in full swing, Young is confident he stays put.
Young remains with the Lakers after several sources reported Los Angeles was shopping his contract to other teams. Things feel even more into question when the Lakers signed Lou Williams to a three-year, $21 million contract in free agency. However, Young told the Los Angeles Times that he has spoken with general manager Mitch Kupchak multiple times and has been reassured he is not going anywhere.
"It's been tough at times," Young said, via the LA Times. "I still stayed in the gym, still did what I was supposed to do, trying to block out everything and just still have fun. You never know what's going to happen - especially in free agency when you hear your name in ever rumor and in every trade talk. It feels like Pau Gasol. It's all about being a pro. I think that this year should be better. Last year, we had a lot going on with the team so there was a lot of frustration. A fresh start now. So it should be all right."
The Lakers are still making roster additions at this point in the offseason which could mean that Young is not as safe as he seems to think that he is. The Lakers could still shopping smaller contracts from players like Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre in order to help the pay roll. Keeping Young might actually be the best option for Los Angeles since they lack depth at small forward while also having a very young back court with D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson.
The Lakers continue to be linked to point guards in order to get some help for the two young players. LakersNation.com reported that Matthew Dellavedova was a target, but he just re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. A trade for Mario Chalmers could be an option, but the Lakers will not want that contract. The same can be said for Jose Calderon who also has an unwanted deal. The Lakers need Young on the roster or else they will be in a bigger hole than they already are.
