Even with the Lakers going through one of their toughest seasons in the history of the franchise, Nick Young always seemed to have a smile on his face. And with good reason.
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Young grew up in Southern California and has always been a Lakers fan. Very few players get the chance to play for their favorite hometown team growing up. As Young told LA Weekly, it’s a dream come true:
Playing for the Lakers has been a dream come true. I grew up watching Magic and James Worthy and Kobe and Shaq. I had the Kobe ‘fro in high school. These are my roots.
Young was one of the few bright spots for the Lakers this season, as the legend of Swaggy P spread throughout America. He posted a career high in points, and proved himself as someone who can contribute to a good team with his explosive scoring ability.
He also emerged as the face of a team that was without two of its biggest stars for the majority of the season, and he seemed to be the guy who could keep the team happy and smiling even through the tough times on the court.
Young will likely opt-out of his contract this off-season and it is unknown if the Lakers will be able to bring him back. He has earned a bigger contract, and has said he would take less money to stay, but the Lakers will be very careful in choosing how to spend the money they have at their disposal.
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With their targets potentially set on guys like Greg Monroe, Kevin Love, and Kevin Durant in the coming off-seasons, the Lakers may have to let Young go. But if he does remain with the team, Young will continue having the time of his life.
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