Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest shooting guards in franchise history

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 23: Kobe Bryant #24 and Byron Scott of the Los Angeles Lakers is seen during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 23, 2016 at U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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10. Nick Young

“Swaggy P” is one of the NBA’s biggest characters and streakiest long-range shooters. He never met a shot he didn’t like. When he’s hot, nothing is out of his range, regardless of distance or angle. Of course, when he’s not on target, he can shoot his team out of a game.

That maddening inconsistency can drive fans, coaches and even teammates crazy. But since Young is also very likable, his personality tends to even out his game’s rough spots.

For much of his career, he was thought to be allergic to playing defense. But he accepted Coach Luke Walton’s challenge in 2016-17, and suddenly developed into one of the Lakers’ best man defenders while starting all 60 games he played.

A native Southern Californian who starred at USC, Young played both shooting guard and small forward in his four seasons with the Lakers. He shot a strong 38 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. Although he only averaged 1.0 assist per game, he contributed 13.1 points, including a career-high 17.9 in 2013-14.

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