Coming into the season, Nick Young was looked at as one of the most crucial pieces of the Los Angeles Lakers season. After leading the team in scoring last year, Young signed a four-year contract over the summer as fans and coaches hoped he would build on a career year.
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Unfortunately, like many other Lakers, injuries plagued Young throughout the year as he played in only 42 games and was a subject of criticism for Byron Scott all season. During his exit interview on Wednesday, Young spoke on his relationship with Scott via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Nick Young was asked if he hashed things out with Coach Scott: "Me & Coach is cool. We're on the same page."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 14, 2015
Despite the issues with Scott, and Young even speaking out about feeling unfairly criticized, Young said he understands that Scott wants him to get better according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:
Young on Byron's criticisms: "If he doesn't talk to you, he doesn't care about you. He wants me to get better."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 14, 2015
Young’s numbers dropped across the board this season as he averaged only 13.4 points. His efficiency suffered mightily as well as Young shot only 36.6 percent from the field and actually shot better from three-point range (36.9 percent) than he did from inside the line (36.3).
Despite the down year, Young remains one of only four Lakers with guaranteed contracts for next season along with Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle and Ryan Kelly. Lakers fans got a glimpse of the good Young can bring to a team last year and after a year like this one, Young will definitely be looking to get things back on track next season.
[divide]Lakers Shopping Nick Young This Summer?