Nick Young Facing Knee Injury

ByChris Walton|

Mar 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) celebrates after a 3-point basket against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Young hasn’t been able to completely duplicate his production from last season, but his constant energy and being the center of attention keeps the Los Angeles Lakers rolling. Now when we discuss “rolling,” of course that’s in terms of the entertainment that Swaggy P provides. Unfortunately his exuberant personality hasn’t completely been displayed in his play.

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This season he’s averaging 13.4 points on 36.6 percent shooting, which are a dip compared to his 17.9 points on 43.5 percent last season. Much of the decrease in scoring can be attributed to the return of Kobe Bryant, a new system under head coach Byron Scott, and injury.

Injury-prone isn’t a word to describe Young, but the bug has returned and sidelined Young yet again. This time around, it’s a swollen knee keeping him from the Lakers’ most recent trips to the Utah Jazz and at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. Without Young’s scoring, a gaping hole exists in the reserve rotation and leaves Scott with few options.

Ed Davis, Jeremy Lin, and Wesley Johnson are all currently providing relief to the starters. ESPN’s Mike Trudell reported Young’s woes earlier this week:

Nick Young is going to see a doctor due to a swollen left knee, where it'll be determined if he'll then have an MRI. Details later.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 23, 2015

With Young’s injury not looking entirely serious, the team may be able to stay afloat until his return. More responsibility still will be on the starters to produce. Jordan Clarkson seems to have risen to the occasion averaging 14 points on 44 percent shooting over his last 10 games.

If Scott decides to move Clarkson back to the bench, his scoring could be useful if Young’s absence extends.

It goes without saying that Young is the Lakers best offensive player currently. He’s no Kobe Bryant, but on this roster, he definitely plays the role of a poor man’s Kobe. His ability to get his own shot and find a rhythm is Young’s calling card. The danger in his game is when he’s in a slump, which is occurring as we speak.

Over the month of February, Young is only averaging 9.9 points on 32.4 percent shooting. The All-Star break is just two weeks old, so fatigue shouldn’t be to blame for Young’s inefficiency. It’s rough, but while Young has time away from the game, it’s a chance to rest and recover. Maybe this plan will lead to finding his confidence again.

The Lakers have reeled off three wins to break their seven-game losing streak. While the team is jockeying for a good draft pick, the goal is to always attempt to win each and every game. Every night of Young’s absence makes it harder for the team.

Los Angeles will definitely monitor Young’s injury and if it does become an issue, don’t be surprised if the team shuts him down for the remaining games of the season.

Young has no reason to rush back as the team is far from the playoff race. Preparing for next season seems to be the most plausible outlook. With a potential top-five pick, the return of Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle combined with cap space, the Lakers should definitely be better than this year’s team.

Young has yet to play in the postseason as a Laker, and you have to believe it’s in his plans before his tenure ends. Young has four more years in Los Angeles, and he should do nothing to jeopardize his health there.

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