Will they stay or will they go?
By Jacob Rude
Nick Young
Feb 20, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Nick Young (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the 76ers 94-87. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Young is the epitome of giving a team the hometown discount. Last season, he made $5 million with the 76ers. He came back to his hometown Los Angeles and signed a two-year deal with the Lakers at just $1.1 million this year, with a player option at $1.2 million next year. His ability to score is unlike anything the Lakers had last season outside of Bryant, and something will be incredibly valuable.
Young, however, signed at a large discount, as I said. His player option creates a unique situation. On one hand, he has the ability to opt in to a contract with a loaded Lakers squad if it happens like that next season. However, he’ll still be playing for a low price. Will he want to opt-in to a reduced contract or will he seek big money elsewhere? Young signed the two-year deal knowing what the future will hold for him and LA. I say he opts in to the Lakers.
VERDICT: Young will be a Laker in 2014-15