Coming into the first preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without veterans Steve Nash and Pau Gasol, but will likely have new comer Nick Young in the starting lineup. Young suffered a sprained ankle in practice on Thursday and was thought to miss some time on the floor in the preseason. Fortunately for the Lakers, Young fully participated in practice on Friday and is expected to play on Saturday according to our Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Nick Young should play tomorrow. Ankle isn’t 100% but says it isn’t going to stop him from playing — Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 4, 2013
With no timetable for Kobe Bryant’s return to the floor, head coach Mike D’Antoni will likely lean on Young for some of the team’s offensive production. A lot of the team’s offensive weapons will likely get the green light more often than not with Kobe sidelined. Along with Young, Gasol and Nash will also be leaned on to produce offensively until the five-time NBA champion is able to return. The game against the Warriors will be telling to say the least for Young with the USC alum likely ready to prove his worth to the team. Young may be prepared to put on a show for the Lakers coaching staff against the Warriors by lighting up the scoreboards while leading the charge for this undermanned squad.
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