Xavier on free agency: “I would love to be back”

Mar 27, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Xavier Henry (7) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

In a season full of disappointment and losses, bright spots have been hard to come by. Wins against the Clippers or Houston or Oklahoma City will stand out, but possibly the biggest positive this year has been the play of Xavier Henry. Henry signed with the Lakers and was thought of as a reclamation project, seen as a draft bust. All he’s done this season is average career highs across the board and, despite injuries, proven to be a valuable asset to any team.

However, like nearly all the Lakers on the roster, his contract is due to expire this off-season and his return is questionable. But, according to Henry, he’s more than willing to return to Los Angeles

"If the Lakers want me back, I would love to be back,” Henry told RealGM. “I love it here, love playing on this team, and we have a great organization. It’s been eye-opening for me, and I enjoy it. You always have two sides of things – I can’t always control whatever I want to in free agency."

Henry is a dynamic guard who has played time at point guard. His 432 points this year (10.0/game) is almost double anything he’s scored in previous seasons, with his 41.7% field goal shooting also being tops in his career.

While injuries certainly stunted his development this year, it may have helped his cases of returning this off-season. Given his blistering hot start to the season, had Henry stayed healthy, his price tag likely would have reached higher than the Lakers would be willing to pay. As is, it’s very likely that Henry returns to the Lakers next season, but only time will tell.