Nick Young’s act wore thin on Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott during the 2014-2105 season. Known more for his off-court persona and shot-happy playing style than actual effectiveness, Young’s fall from grace with Los Angeles was steep enough to render him potential trade bait this summer. The signing of Lou Williams made him even more redundant on the Lakers’ roster, too.
But that disharmony seems to be a thing of the past. A legitimate market never materialized for the 30-year-old wing, ensuring he could continue enjoying the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for at least the immediate future. Young, though, insists he was uncomfortable with his name being floated in so many offseason rumors – and, unsurprisingly, offered the perfect soundbite to indicate it.
As told to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Young invoked the name of a former Laker to convey how he felt for the summer’s majority.
Nick Young said he "felt like Pau Gasol" this summer given the Lakers' unsuccessful attempts to trade him
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 26, 2015
Classic Swaggy.
Pau Gasol, of course, played in Los Angeles from 2007-2008 to 2013-2014. Despite winning a pair of titles with the Lakers and being robbed of the 2010 Finals MVP award, the future Hall-of-Famer was a favorite whipping boy for fans and frequent subject of trade rumors during his final seasons wearing purple-and-gold.
The Spaniard was never dealt, though, and ultimately left Los Angeles on good terms last summer when he signed with the Chicago Bulls. Could Young’s time with the Lakers end with similar grace? Whether he’s with the team for the two seasons remaining on his contract or otherwise, let’s just say we doubt it.
[Via Mark Medina]
