Nick Young of the Los Angeles Lakers could be on the move as he struggles to fit into coach Byron Scott’s game style.
Averaging just 10.3 points a game in 18 minutes per game over the seven games he has played this year to date, Young continues to frustrate the organisation with his inability to get involved defensively or showing any inclination to pull down a rebound or pass the ball for an assist.
Scott had words with Young during the off-season about getting more involved in other aspects of the game instead of just shooting the ball, but it has fallen on deaf ears as he averages just one rebound, 0.5 assists and 0.7 steals.
Defensively he has become a liability but you could argue that there are a few Lakers in that category.
Even with Young’s lack of intensity or motivation to defend he would still make a bit of a difference to a contender looking for extra shooting off the bench. Rumours are starting to swirl of a potential Memphis trade that would see Young come off the bench for the Grizzlies and provide an offensive punch.
Memphis was talked about as a major challenger out of a packed West this season but so far they have been disappointing; currently 3-5 and sitting in 12th position. Unlike the Lakers the Grizzlies have some strong defenders on their roster, and they are one team who could handle Young’s defensive flaws.
Young, who signed a four-year deal worth $21 million with the Lakers and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2017-18, has repeatedly stated that he wants to remain in LA. He was reportedly on the block during the off-season but there was a lack of interest from other teams, yet that has reportedly changed with a couple of contenders looking to add a veteran scorer off the bench.
With Derrick Rose reportedly on his way out of Chicago with Taj Gibson, the Lakers are rumoured to be interested in making a deal for both. A potential blockbuster deal would likely include Jordan Clarkson and some veterans heading to Chicago, with Young one of those expected to move.
The Lakers don’t like to lose and will try anything to send Kobe Bryant to retirement the right way. Any deals the Lakers would be interested would need to include Young, and if the rumours are correct he won’t end the season in a Lakers uniform.
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