Expanding Roles, Quarter of the Season

Dec 16, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Nick Young (0) shoots a basket in the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Young’s scoring average has gone up since Bryant’s return.  He does a good job in the 2nd and 3rd quarters to help the team out when all other offensive options are exhausted.  His style of play is more suited to Bryant’s, considering he too is an isolation player on the baseline or from 21′ away, and likes to create his shot off the dribble.  His signature is the baseline drive, the isolation plays at the corner wings, or even a drop-step after an upfake when the defender stays planted.  While these are his go-to shots, defenders still can’t keep up.  More importantly, he has improved his defense with taking charges, being in the right position, and even hitting the open man instead of forcing multiple bad shots.  He’s now currently the team’s leading scorer.