Nick Young “confident” he’ll return to Lakers

Apr 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) reacts after a 3-point basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Jae Crowder (9) watches at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last handful of weeks, numerous Lakers players have stated their wish, hopes, and optimism of a possible return to purple and gold next season. Obviously, not all can return, and given how this season played out, not all should return, but Nick Young is one of the few who have exceeded expectations. After practice Thursday, he talked about his desire to return home this off-season.

"“Of course, I want to be here and be part of a team that’s going to the playoffs and fighting for championships,” Young said. “Being part of that Laker parade and having my own little speech like Shaq did: ‘Can you dig it?’”Young said he was “confident” that the front office and the player could come to some agreement.The LA-native reminded reporters, “This is home. I would love to finish off here, as a Laker.”"

As has been well-documented, Swaggy P has a player option that most expect him to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent. While his willingness to return is one thing, whether or not the Lakers can afford him is another. He’s had a career year and been one of the Lakers best players, possibly earning him a pay raise right out of the Lakers budget.

With just a handful of games left, Lakers Nation may be watching their final games of Swaggy in purple and gold. But really, who doesn’t want to see Young’s speech after a championship parade?