D'Angelo Russell vs. Nick Young: Will The Locker Room Drama Between Lakers Point Guard & Small Forward Hurt Team's Performance in the 2016-17 NBA Season?
In the past months, fans of Los Angeles Lakers feared that the locker room drama between Nick Young and D'Angelo Russell will hurt the team's performance in the 2016-17 NBA season. But according to recent reports, the small forward and point guard are already working out to settle the internal feud that sparked early this year.
Making Peace
In a recent interview with LA Daily News, Young downplayed concerns that his personal conflict with Russell will affect the chemistry department of the Lakers in the incoming season. The 31-year-old small forward said that the issue between him and the young point guard is already outdated.
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Young explained that they are teammates and he cannot be mad with him forever. He added that they have been working it out and he is confident that they will fully get over it before the new season starts.
The Root of The Drama
The internal feud between the teammates started early this year when a controversial video of Young leaked online. Per Hollywood Life, Russell recorded the video wherein Young can be seen talking about his relationship with Australian rapper and then-fiancée Iggy Azalea.
In the video, Young bragged about cheating on Azalea on various occasions throughout their relationship. The leaked video caused the breakup of the couple and the uncomfortable tension in the Laker's locker room.
Young publicly blamed Russell for recording the video without his knowledge. On the other hand, Russell took full blame for the incident and apologized but Young seemed to be not willing to forgive at that time.
The ugly drama added a black mark to the Lakers terrible performance last season.
Young's Fate With The Lakers
While Young is optimistic that he can fully patch things out with Russell, it is still unknown if he will still play with the Laker in the 2016-17 NBA season. According to Lakers Nation, it is still uncertain if the franchise will buy out Young's two-year 11-million contract before the training camp kicks off next month.
Young revealed that he recently talked to Luke Walton, the new coach of the Lakers, and hinted that there is a big possibility that the team will keep him to play for the incoming season.
Stat Comparison
Based on ESPN's records, Young's performance last season was relatively poor, averaging 7.3 points, 0.6 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 54 games. These figures are the lowest in his nine-year career in the league.
Russell, on the other hand, had a stellar rookie season. The 20-year-old point guard averaged 13.2 points, 3.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 80 games.
