Nick Young has an option to join the NBA free agent frenzy this summer, a chance for him to start anew. The Los Angeles Lakers had tried to deal off Young in the past but failed to get a trade partner.
The last couple of years has been hard on “Swaggy P.” That included a falling out with teammate D’Angelo Russell which resulted in his breakup with Iggy Azalea. Despite the off-court issues, Young somehow managed to get his act back together under the watch of new head coach Luke Walton.
Young prefers to stay in Hollywood
But season’s end, Young can choose to stick or walk away from the Lakers. He has a $5 million player option for next season and the 31-year-old though he is still undecided on how to go about it.
Overall, Young has been able to revive his career with the Lakers. He has been a dead-eye from beyond the arc and has been a defensive gem for Walton. With the Lakers tanking, Young is the latest player sent to the doghouse – meaning he will be watching from the sidelines.
With regards to his future, Young prefers to stay in Hollywood for obvious reasons. One is that his family is here and he has been with the team for the past four years.
As he terms it, he is a “wanted man.”
Hoping for a lucrative deal
The off-court woes of Young have been textbook though another player has the same plight. One name that stands out is J.R. Smith of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Before hooking up with the Cavs, Smith had his share of controversy. But when he got his act back together, his value was obvious.
In 2015, Smith opted out in what surprised many. Though he did get his share of interest, he ended up re-signing with the Cavs in a cold market.
Young faces the same scenario though nothing is definite. His performance this season may just rekindle interest though the money on the table may not be mind-boggling.
At 32, Young has to realize that time is ticking. He is entering the twilight of his career with options dwindling. Looking ahead, sticking with the Lakers wouldn’t be surprising, but the final call will be at the hands of Jeanie Buss and company.