Apr 6, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Nick Young (1) shoots over Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen (34) during the first half at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only been about two hours into free agency, and the Lakers have their name linked to a lot of players already. Nick Young (Swaggy P), Francisco Garcia, and Wayne Ellington are three new names that have been mentioned.
The Lakers have inquired about L.A. native Nick Young, according to agent Mark Bartelstein. They had interest in Young last summer as well
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2013
Nick Young — a former Clipper, Sixer, and Wizard — is a scorer who has mostly come off of the bench during his six year career. In 23 minutes per game, Young has averaged 11.3 points, 1 assist, and 1.9 rebounds. Although he is a nice scorer, he is known as someone who takes bad shots — his career field goal percentage is 42.7 percent.
The Lakers have been in contact with Francisco Garcia's representative, according to a league source. There is "mutual interest"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2013
The former Houston Rocket and Sacramento King is a fresh free agent due to the Rockets declining his option in their pursuit to free cap space so they can give Dwight Howard a max contract. Funny how that works. During Garcia’s eight year career, he has averaged 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He’s a decent small forward who has an okay outside shot — 36.1 percent from three in his career.
Lakers have also inquired about Cavs guard Wayne Ellington with his agent Arn Tellem. Notice a trend? Putting shooting at a premium
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2013
Wayne Ellington is another nice bench player. This season he was traded to the Cavaliers where he played the most minutes of his career. In 25.9 minutes, Ellington averaged 10.4 points, 1.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds, while shooting at a respectable 37.1 percent from three — second lowest of his career. In 4.4 three point attempts per game in his career, he is shooting 38.2 percent. Not too bad, and he’s only 25.