Nick Young has been a pleasant surprise for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. After having a diminished role under previous head coach Byron Scott, he has revived his play under new coach Luke Walton. He is currently averaging 14.1 points per game, but the most noticeable difference has been on the defensive end.
Most expected Young to be dealt or even released before the season, but his play during preseason earned him the starting shooting guard position, which was one of the biggest voids to fill as Lakers legend Kobe Bryant retired last season. His performance on both ends of the floor has prompted high praise from his teammates and most importantly, his head coach.
Young’s resurgence has Walton believing that this is the player that fans should expect to see moving forward, according to Lakers Nation’s Ryan Ward:
Luke Walton on Nick Young’s consistency: “He’s our starting SG and I’ve come to expect this to be how he performs for us.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 19, 2016
Walton also added that Young’s consistency hasn’t been shocking to him at all via Ward:
Luke Walton on Nick Young’s consistency: “I don’t think it’s a shock, I expect him to play this way night in and night out.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 19, 2016
Young has enjoyed new excitement surrounding the Lakers, as he should, along with the rest of team. The Lakers now believe they have a foundation of players who can really do something special sooner rather than later and their impressive 7-6 start to the season is proof of that.
Young has been one of the Lakers most consistent players this season on both ends of the floor and fans have enjoyed this version of Young which is closer to the level he played at when he originally earned his contract.
Walton has allowed Young to be himself which, in turn, has helped to regain Young’s confidence. It is Walton’s ability to connect with his players that has helped get everyone to buy into the system and speed up the Lakers’ rebuilding process.