Los Angeles Lakers Have ‘No Plans’ To Trade Sixth Man Nick Young
USA Today
The Los Angeles Lakers are attempting to turn over a new leaf this summer following two seasons without a playoff appearance. The majority of last year’s squad has already left the team in NBA free agency and one of the team’s best offensive weapons was said to be on the trading block.
Although Nick Young has been a solid contributor for the team when engaged, the veteran guard/forward struggled last season and never really saw eye-to-eye with head coach Byron Scott. Immediately after the 2014-15 NBA campaign came to an end, the rumors began to circulate that the team would pursue all trade scenarios to send Young elsewhere.
Apparently, after failed attempts to trade Young, the Lakers brass no longer has any intention to trade him, according to Bill Oram of the OC Register:
Heard today Lakers have no plans to trade Nick Young. Called around seeking suitors so they could clear cap room quickly. Didn't materialize
— Bill Oram (@billoram) July 14, 2015
Young is under contract with the Lakers for three more seasons with the veteran having a player option for 2017-18. The sixth man will be playing alongside on six familiar faces in Los Angeles next season with the rest of the team leaving the Lakers in free agency.
Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Robert Sacre, Ryan Kelly and Tarik Black will all be returning for the 2015-16 campaign. Randle only played one game last year while Bryant played in 35 meaning Young will have to build some chemistry with new teammates once again this year as he attempts to prove his worth to Coach Scott.
Jordan Hill, Jeremy Lin, Ronnie Price, Wayne Ellington, Ed Davis and Wesley Johnson have all signed elsewhere in free agency. Lakers brought in Lou Williams, Brandon Bass and traded for Roy Hibbert. Also, the team added D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Brown and Larry Nance Jr. in the 2015 NBA Draft.
