After an outstanding run in which he set a Los Angeles Lakers record by hitting 42 three-pointers over a nine-game span, Nick Young has been in a slump the last few games.
In the last four contests, Young has made only six threes while shooting just 25 percent from deep. It is definitely a far cry from his hot streak as well as his nearly 43 percent mark from three-point range this season.
Young understands that he needs to turn things around, but he is refusing to get down on himself despite the rough stretch:
“It’s tougher. Tougher shots, but I just have to find my rhythm again. See what happens. I have to fight my way through this and not get down on myself or anything. Just come in with the same routine just knowing those shots are going to fall.”
Teams have definitely begun focusing in on Young more as his hot shooting can completely change a game. This was extremely noticeable against the Orlando Magic when they put the taller, and extremely athletic Aaron Gordon on Young with Gordon’s length clearly bothering him.
There was hope that things were turning around for Young early on against Portland when he made a couple of early threes, but things went downhill for him, and the rest of the team, in a 108-87 loss to the Blazers.
Young is a veteran who has gone through his fair share of hot streaks and shooting slumps so he knows how to get out of them. He isn’t letting his struggles completely affect the rest of his game as he continues to work hard on defense. It should only be a matter of time before those shots become makes again and Young continues to be a major contributor for the Lakers.
**All quotes in this story obtained by Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters**