The Los Angeles Lakers signed Nick Young to a relatively cheap deal considering his production on the court this season. With Young leading the team in scoring, it only makes sense that he would opt-out of his deal in order to receive the money he feels he deserves.
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Young has made it clear he wants to remain a Laker, and though he wants to be paid what he feels he deserves, he is still willing to take a bit of a discount to remain in Los Angeles, according to the L.A. Daily News’ Mark Medina:
I feel comfortable in L.A. But I can’t keep taking these discounts. I need a raise a little bit. But if it’s for the right cost and they’re bringing in players and I fit into the rotation, then I’ll probably take a pay cut.
This has to be good news to both the Lakers, and fans who want to see ‘Swaggy P’ back in purple and gold next season. The Lakers are re-building the team right now, but they also want to retain their cap flexibility so they can go after big-name free agents in the coming years.
It is because of this that the team, according to Medina, is wary of giving out long-term contracts to role players, even ones as valuable as Young:
Lakers like Nick Young, but are hesitant to offer any role player a multi-year deal so they can maximize cap space
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 19, 2014
With Kevin Love available in 2015 and Kevin Durant in 2016, the Lakers would be foolish to sacrifice an opportunity at getting one of them.
Young being willing to stay here for less money increases the likelihood of him remaining with the Lakers, but he will have his options, and the Lakers lack of a coach doesn’t do them any favors either.
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Once July 1 hits, Young will be one of many players that the Lakers will have to make a decision on. Until that time, all anyone can do is wait.
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