The Los Angeles Lakers’ 5 Worst Contracts Heading Into 2016-17

SF Nick Young

Right now, the Lakers are set to pay Nick Young $5.44 million in 2016-17. Even worse, he’s set to take up $11.1 million in dead cap space. The worst of all, he won’t see much time in the rotation–if he’s even on the roster when the regular season tips off.

That’s the thing, though. The Lakers appear ready to move on from Young, and have spent all offseason trying to find a trade partner. Assuming that never happens, Los Angeles will likely opt to simply sever ties with the veteran small forward.

Eating the dead cap space would be better than allowing Young to stick around.

It would certainly help the development of Russell after his off-court issue with Young last year. Although he already claimed their issues are in the past, Young’s presence will allow the tension to linger.

The Lakers have until the end of August to waive Young under the stretch provision. That would allow the team to “stretch” his remaining salary and cap hit over a number of years equal to the years remaining on his contract plus one,” via Hardwood Paroxysm.

A trade would be ideal, but that doesn’t seem to be an option at this point. Seeing as that’s the case, expect the Lakers to cut the cord with Young in the near future. Regardless, his contract will cause headaches until it’s officially off the books.

Next: An Aging Offseason Addition