One of the more surprising free agent signings by the Los Angeles Lakers last summer was Nick Young. Not many believed Young would take a considerable hometown discount to join the Lakers, but he did just that and seems to be loving every minute being a Laker.
Although Young is a fan favorite and has proven to be one of the team’s best players this season, the USC alum will have a decision to make in the off-season. Young must choose whether he’ll opt-in or opt-out of his deal with the Lakers.
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After the NBA trade deadline had past, GM Mitch Kupchak spoke to the media. Kupchak mentioned that he believes Young will likely opt-out of his deal this summer according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Mitch Kupchak says that he'd guess Nick Young will "opt out" of his player option on his contract next year but doesn't know.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 20, 2014
Even though Young could’ve signed for much more elsewhere, the L.A. native chose to give the Lakers a shot by inking a two-year deal with a player option in the second year. Young will make $1.1 million this season and $1.7 million the next if he opts in.
With Young showing the rest of the league that he can still be a dominant scorer off the bench, there’s a good chance he can sign a lucrative deal with another team. Despite the fact Young has been adamant about his love for the Lakers and the city of Los Angeles, the temptation might be too great to accept much more lucrative deals elsewhere.
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