NBA 2016 Rumors and News: Nick Young Returning to Sixers? Lakers Looking to Unload Swaggy P
The Swaggy P era might be nearing its end in Hollywood. Nick Young, the streaky outside shooter who showed spurts of brilliance throughout his career, could be making his way out of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Young had built himself a popular image over the past few years, banking on his "swag" attitude and celebrating a three that did not even go in. He also made a run for Shaqtin' a Fool MVP, in a segment where Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal pokes fun at players' mistakes on the court.
Rumors suggest that the Lakers are looking to get Young out of the team, either through waiving his contract or getting something in return from his former Philadelphia 76ers team.
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The Deal
Young spent a season with the Sixers in 2012-13, where he averaged 10.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 23.9 minutes per game. He had increased his numbers since joining the Lakers, given an on-off starting berth.
The Lakers had been ready to unload Young during their rebuilding mode under new coach Luke Walton. They gave a huge contract deal to Timofey Mozgov and signed new additions: Brandon Ingram, Luol Deng, Yi Jianlian, Ivica Zubac and Zack Auguste.
Auguste had been signed to the training camp team, but the Lakers currently have a 16-man roster and would have to drop a player before the season starts. Young could be that guy if the Sixers accept the offer.
The likely deal would get Young to the Sixers, plus future draft picks. The team had been known to accept these kinds of deals and then dump the player to free agency, as they did with Tibor Pleiss from the Jazz.
Philadelphia got two second-rounders and cash off the trade, and then waived Pleiss. In Young's case, however, the team does need another guard.
Trouble in Los Angeles
Although Swaggy P had been famous on and off court, it was not for reasons the Lakers would have liked. Aside from boneheaded plays that landed him on blooper reels, Young had also been the butt of a locker room joke.
Rookie D'Angelo Russell got into a mess when he recorded a video of Young retelling how he cheated on his then-fiancée, Iggy Azalea, last season. It was part of a prank war gone horribly wrong when the video went out to social media and cost Young his relationship.
The two had since patched things up, but it could be a factor for Young leaving the team. He also reportedly did not enjoy his time with former coach Byron Scott and a change of scenery may help the 30-year-old regain his momentum.
