Lakers: 3 Takeaways From Preseason Loss to the Golden State Warriors

Oct 15, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes for a shot while being defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the first quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) goes for a shot while being defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and Los Angeles Lakers center Tarik Black (28) during the first quarter at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
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Nick Young Playing His Way Into the Rotation

Mar 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) shoots against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Not only should Nick Young make the roster, but he should be a key part of the Lakers bench unit

Give Nicholas Aaron Young a hand, Los Angeles. Young went from expendable to invaluable over night for the Lakers. His combination of shooting and defense is something very few players on the roster can offer.

Is it just preseason? Yes, but Young hasn’t looked this good since before he re-upped with the Lakers in 2013.

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I’m hesitant to say Swaggy P is back, but only because I’m not sure we’re even looking at the same player. At 30-years-old, Young has found his ways to improve his game.

Even when Young was knocking  down shots in bunches back in 2013, he wasn’t the most efficient shooter. That is no longer the case.

Young ended the night with a team-high 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting in 17 minutes.

He has also shown better instincts as both a playmaker and a defender. Again, completely different player.

If Young carries this play into the season, Luke Walton will be hard pressed to find a good reason not to play him.

That’s not to say Walton should prioritize finding playing time for Young over developing Brandon Ingram, but Young has earned the right to hear his number called regularly.

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