The Los Angeles Lakers have a number of position battles taking place in training camp in order to determine the starting five. After loading up on players in free agency, just about every spot is up for grabs before the regular season kicks. One of the position battles that could lead to roster changes down the road is the one for shooting guard/small forward as Nick Young and Lou Williams battle it out.
After earning the Sixth Man award with the Toronto Raptors, Williams comes to the Lakers as a threat to be a starter. Right now, Young has been the starter and primary shooter with Kobe Bryant out, but now that the veteran is healthy, that can be adjusted. This is where Williams comes in. Williams told the media that he is not focused on earning a starting spot and simply wants to win. He noted that it was very possible for he and Young to co-exist on the court.
"I've played in systems with multiple guards where we had two or three guards on the court at the same time," said Williams, via the Los Angeles Times. "The most important thing is to not pin Nick and I against each other. We're teammates now. We both have similar games. We both like to score the basketball, that's been one of our strong suits. That's what we hang our hats on. But once we're on the court, I like to play team basketball."
It is no secret that the Lakers have eyed trading Young this offseason. In order to free up more salary cap space, the team was considering getting rid of the 30-year-old's four-year, $21 million contract that expires in 2018. The Lakers found no interest in a deal and moved forward with Young on the roster, but that does not mean something cannot come up at the mid-season deadline while the shooter is not guaranteed a starting spot. According to Young, he is simply focused on the season and in improving. The shooting guard is competing for his future. If the star fails to improve off his low numbers of last year, he runs the risk of being a mid-season trade target.
"We all got something to prove," Young said, via InsideSocal.com. "I went in my Batcave and got my mind right. I feel good. I got away from everything and got back to playing and enjoying it."
Both Williams and young will be feeding off the point guard position this season, one both players have a lot of confidence in. There was certainly doubt in D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson during summer league play when both players seemed to struggled. However, Williams said both players are ready to lead as they impress early in training camp.
"They're just ready to work," Williams said, via InsideSocal.com. "One thing I can say about these guys is they come in with their ears open, eyes wide and ready to listen and learn. At the same time, they're trying to prove themselves against veteran guys such as myself. It's been some of the same experiences I remember from when I was coming into the league; just trying to prove my name and, at the same time, trying to learn from everybody else."
