Los Angeles Lakers: Return Of Nick Young Looming
By Chris Walton
Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers have been in for quite a treat watching Kobe Bryant prove he is as healthy as can be after a knee and Achilles injury. During Bryant’s return, his attempt to turn back the hands of time have featured games of high scoring, such as Tuesday night’s 33-point effort against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite these performances, Bryant has hoisted up a plethora of attempts, already notching 20 or more shots in five games this season. On only 38.8 percent shooting, Bryant is on pace to shoot a career-low from the field.
With injuries to Steve Nash, and a recovering Xavier Henry and Nick Young, the Lakers are left with nearly no one to initiate offense or pour in points in spurts. Good news has finally come the way of the 1-7 Lakers, however, as they will be getting last season’s leading scorer in Young back in the next week.
“Swaggy P” has been sidelined with a right ligament tear for the last seven weeks. His recovery has been going quite well, as many believed that he could be out until December. Young had been sporting a soft cast around the Lakers’ practice facility and taking part in conditioning, dribbling and some shooting.
Head coach Byron Scott is leaving the door open for Young to be active during next week’s three-game roadtrip. Young echoed the sentiments of Scott, which called for him to get in some time on the court with the team:
Byron Scott is hoping that sometime next week, Nick Young will be able to go thru a full day of practice with contact and scrimmaging.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 10, 2014
Nick Young said he might play as early as Tuesday (18th) Wants to see how his thumb feels after contact & scrimmaging this weekend (on TWC)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 13, 2014
The Lakers need Young in the worst way possible. Without his ability to spread the floor and break down opposing defenses, the Lakers have struggled with spacing and scoring droughts. The bench is far from the 42.8 points (2nd in the league) that they averaged last season, only averaging 27 points (21st in the league) in their first eight games.
If Young can get near his career-high of 17.9 points per game, then his offensive explosions can take some of the scoring and reduce minutes for Kobe Bryant. While not being known as a player that sets up others, or even register multiple assists, Young’s presence provides the second unit the scorer it lacks. Having an offensive threat means that opportunities are opened up for other players.
Playing alongside Jeremy Lin allows him (Lin) to probe defenses and use the pick and roll far more effectively than before. Even his shooting can provide rebounding opportunity for Ed Davis and Jordan Hill. Most of all, the team is sorely missing the energy and good-spirits that Young bring to the team. The NBA is certainly about winning and serious business, but Young has been able to provide charisma to a struggling Lakers team.
Fans will be excited to see Young back, as well. For similar reasons discussed, the team has lacked a reason to stomach so painful losses. Even Kobe is not enough to watch for stretches of games. The intrigue of Young and Bryant give opposing teams fits leave much to be desired regarding their combination.
There is also the flipside of both ball-dominant players heading towards a collision course over shots per night. Regardless, the return of Young is welcomed from all Laker fronts. We might as well enjoy the show amidst the storm looming over the Lakers franchise.