The Los Angeles Lakers watched the NBA trade deadline pass on Thursday without making any moves. Despite reported interest in Goran Dragic, the Phoenix Suns ultimately traded him to the Miami Heat. Jordan Hill and Nick Young shared a sense of relief when chatting with the media after practice. Both Hill and Young were the victim of jokes requesting their presence up in Mitch Kupchak’s office.
I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Young said about the trade deadline. “Pretty much up in the air. I didn’t know who was going to be here, if I was going to get tapped on the shoulder and sent up to the office.”
Nick Young initiated questions to his teammate, Jordan Hill, about surviving the trade deadline. Hill expressed similar sentiments, including that it’s a blessing he’s still around and noting that he’s “still holding on by a thread.”
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Lakers head coach Byron Scott hinted at big plans this summer, smiling at his excitement for the “game plan” that Kupchak and Jim Buss relayed to him months ago. Though Scott was reluctant to divulge into specifics with the media, Scott made it clear that much of the Lakers game plan revolves around what the Lakers do “this summer.”
Scott even said that depending on what the front office is able to pull off this summer and next summer, Kobe Bryant may decide he’s able to play another year beyond his current contract. Scott clarified that he has not yet discussed this with Bryant and it will depend on if he can stay completely healthy for another season, but clearly it’s something Scott’s hoping for.
Wayne Ellington, who did not practice yesterday due to gastroenteritis did practice on Thursday and Scott said he didn’t look like he had any lingering effects, so chances are good that Ellington will be ready for Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Nick Young and Jordan Hill also practiced in full and are expected to be available for Friday’s game.
[divide]VIDEO: Nick Young Asking Jordan Hill About The NBA Trade Deadline, Talking Dolphins And Nick Cannon