It appears to be a foregone conclusion that Nick Young will opt out of the final year of his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Young is under contract with a player option worth $1.2 million for next season, but anticipates receiving much more lucrative offers this summer as a free agent.
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Despite Young’s intention to opt out this summer, the veteran guard wants to return to the Lakers, and feels he’ll be a good fit even with Kobe Bryant returning. Young made an appearance on ESPN LA 710 with Mark Willard and Ramona Shelburne to talk about his immediate future:
“I think I’d fit in very well. I could stick to my same routine just coming off the bench and being that scoring threat off the bench. They need a sub sometimes, you know Kobe can come out the game sometimes. I think I showed that when he played a little bit, I think we played well together and I think I could just learn from being out there with that man, he’s one of the best players to play this game.”
The future remains uncertain to say the least for this storied franchise. Most players on the current roster are set to become free agents this summer and there’s no guarantee that any of them return to the team.
Although it is unclear if the team wants to retain players like Jodie Meeks, Xavier Henry, Wesley Johnson or Chris Kaman, Young has proven to be a valuable asset and fan favorite. Meeks has also stepped up his game this season and has increased his value as well, but Young is arguably the better option coming off the bench next season behind Kobe.
With one more game left in the season, Young’s future and the team’s plans will start to take shape in the weeks to come.
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