The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t appear to have a lot of interest in shooting guard Nick Young this offseason. However, that hasn’t had any effect on his feelings toward the team.
It was certainly an interesting few years with the Los Angeles Lakers for Nick Young. After a great start to his career in Los Angeles, Young hit a real rough patch for a few seasons. However, when his career looked over, Young was able to have a great bounce back season last year.
With a player option this offseason, Young decided to decline it and test free agency. While Young likely could have made more elsewhere, he ultimately decided to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
As the defending champions, Young likely won’t have as big of a role than he has in previous years with the Lakers. However, he will likely be playing basketball in June and could have a ring in his future.
Even though Young was loved by Lakers fans, there were some bumps along the road that may have led him to not having warm feelings for Los Angeles. However, Young still loves Los Angeles and the Lakers.
"“I love LA. I might be back and retire here one day,” Young said to Mark Medina of the OCRegister. “I’ll come back with Kobe, MJ [Michael Jordan] and LeBron [James].”"
Young jokes about coming back to Los Angeles one day to join what would be a pretty wild super team. While Jordan, Kobe, and James playing together with never happen, Young does keep the door open to a return one day.
For now, he will be focused on winning a title with his new team. After being heavily recruited by some of the stars on the Warriors, Young is still clearly a very good player.
"“I felt like the man. It felt good,” Young said to Medina. “It’s a good situation playing on a winning team and knowing I have a chance to fight for a ring this year. It’s a great feeling.”"
When Young returns to the Staples Center next season, he will surely receive a nice ovation. As the lovable character that he is, expect Young to try and put on a show against his former team.
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Even though it wasn’t always smooth sailing, it is good to see that there are no hard for Young and Lakers after this offseason.