Nick Young (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Many fans are probably shocked about the Los Angeles Lakers handing Nick Young a starting role, but there probably is more to that than giving Swaggy P his confidence back.
The Lakers started the season on a winning note, which featured the team's future stars flourishing under Luke Walton's system. But aside from youngsters like Clarkson, Ingram, Randle and Russell shining for the Lakers, another notable display came from Young.
"I was like the hand out the grave," Young said, reports ESPN. "I'm still here. I'm just going to keep fighting, keep going."
Young became the Lakers' starting shooting guard in Day 1 of the 2016-2017 regular season, and it would probably remain that way for the coming outings. After only playing an average of 19.1 minutes per games off the bench last season, Young started the game and logged 27 minutes. It could be a part of Walton's ultimate strategy to get the Lakers back on winning track, but it could also be the team's means of increasing Young's trade value.
Nick Young in the locker room after the win: "You can breathe in here again, it’s fun…you can see it in the way we play."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) October 27, 2016
Clarkson walked out of the Lakers locker room yelling toward Young: "Nick about to be Defensive Player of the Year!" — KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) October 27, 2016
It is no secret that the Lakers have attempted to trade Young several times during the offseason, especially with the potentially lingering awkwardness with Russell following a video recording incident that caused trust issues among some of the team's players. But after failing to find suitable trade offers for Young, the Lakers decided to keep hold of the 31-year-old shooting guard.
Young's rejuvenated role with the Lakers could increase his trade value this season. Young is owed $5.4 million this year, enough for the Lakers to acquire a key player that would help address LA's need of a defensive big man or a perimeter defender.
It remains to be seen whether the Lakers would be interested in tinkering their lineup this season, but it could become a possibility if key players become available midseason. Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers could be a target for the Lakers, as well as OKC Thunder wing Andre Roberson. Both players are versatile defenders and could give Los Angeles the much needed boost on the defensive end.
Whether the Lakers are sold at Young as an essential piece to Los Angeles' rebuild remains to be seen, but it is worth revisiting trade talks for Swaggy P if it means getting a quality talent in return.
Video courtesy: YouTube/Lakers Nation
