The Los Angeles Lakers are about a month and a half away from the start of training camp, and most of the team has already been spotted putting their time in at the Lakers training facility.
At the 14th annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala, Nick Young said he’s already been putting work in with Kobe Bryant, describing Bryant as “hungry,” with quite the attitude.
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With Bryant only playing in six games last season, Young had plenty of freedom on offense. Does he think Bryant will be hesitant to pass him the ball next season?
“From his attitude lately, I don’t know. But he has to pass it to me, man. He need help!” Young soaked up the laughter before adding, “The question is, am I gonna pass it to him?”
Young averaged 17.9 points per game for the Lakers last season and most of his scoring came off the bench, leading the league in bench scoring with 41 and 40 point games as a sixth man. Due to their similar strengths and styles of play, it’s unlikely Young will see too much time in the same rotation as Bryant this upcoming season.
Young’s learned a lot from Kobe, referring to him as a mentor on multiple occasions and Bryant’s praised Young for the edge that he brings to the game. Last season, Bryant was outspoken about wanting Young to be more of a student of the game, and gave an example of studying film on long flights, rather than taking out a deck of cards the moment he gets on the plane.
This season, Young says he may just have to take more of Bryant’s advice. After all, he considers him a coach too.
“Ya I might have to,” Young told Lakers Nation. “I got two coaches this year, Coach Bryant and Coach Scott and they’re like the same people!”
Young described Bryant’s attitude as being in “Mamba mode, working out everyday,” anxious to get into game action. Before the interview concluded, Young was sure to thank Lakers Nation for the #STAYSWAG campaign.
“It was ya’ll. Lakers Nation helped me. The posters and all that. That was big. It’s just a blessing. I feel good to be back four years and ya’ll gotta get used to me now.”
For the full interview check out our video above.
[divide]VIDEO: Did You See The #STAYSWAG Billboard That Lakers Nation Fans Put Up?