Following their second straight losing season, the Los Angeles Lakers spent another off-season revamping their roster in hopes of making the team a playoff contender. The Lakers selected D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick during the draft, Roy Hibbert became the expected starting center after being acquired in a trade, and Brandon Bass and Lou Williams decided to join the Lakers via free agency.
While trying to make room for the new additions, the Lakers front office reportedly attempted to shop Nick Young, Robert Sacre, and Ryan Kelly. The team failed to find any suitors and currently has no intentions of moving Young, according to the OC Register’s Bill Oram:
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 struggled during his second year with the Lakers. He was supposed to be the team’s best scoring threat off the bench, but injuries and inconsistent play caused Young to shoot just 36.6 percent from the field while averaging 13.4 points per game. Despite the numbers, general manager Mitch Kupchak still sees value in Young for the upcoming season.
The addition of Williams appears to complicate Young’s role since the two are both known for their scoring abilities. However, the Lakers are also thin at the small forward position and could still use Young’s size. Head coach Byron Scott wants Young to improve other facets of his game, especially his defense, in order to see more playing time.
The Lakers also have a $2.8 million room exception should the team decide to bring on another player.
