After missing 17 of the last 18 games, Nick Young will return to the floor on Friday night for the Los Angeles Lakers against one of his former teams in the Washington Wizards.
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Even though Young may still not be a 100 percent, the journeyman has been determined to return before the season ends with one goal in mind. Young wants to prevent this team being the worst Lakers history by getting to a total of 30 wins before season’s end according to Bill Oram of the OC Register:
“We just got to finish the year off not being the worst team in Lakers history,” Young said. “I talked to Pau (Gasol) about it, and he’s been talking to me about coming back.”
Along with Young wanting the Lakers to finish with at least 30 wins on the year, the veteran guard/forward will also have his immediate future in mind. Young has a player option on his contract with the Lakers for next season worth $1.2 million and all indications point to him opting out of his deal.
Although Young has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to return to Los Angeles next season, it remains to be seen if the Lakers will offer him more than he’s set to earn with his current deal. Young has proven to be a valuable asset in his short time with the team while also being a fan favorite, but the Lakers might have their sights set on a player like Luol Deng in free agency.
Regardless of whether or not Young stays in a Lakers uniform beyond this season remains to be seen, but he’ll definitely attempt to put on a show in the final 15 games if able to stay healthy.
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