5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers 2016 Training Camp

5. Nick Young Actually Makes The 15-Man Roster

I know–this is ridiculous right? The Los Angeles Lakers have been making every effort to get rid of him since the end of the 2015-16 campaign. So why would they want to keep him around, even if it meant taking the financial hit?

I’ll give you one reason, and you’ll just have to deal with it. It’s depth.

Obviously the Lakers are pretty set at small forward at this moment with Luol Deng and Brandon Ingram sitting atop the depth chart. Anthony Brown will provide the emergency support, with Travis Wear (who?) also looking to earn an opportunity somewhere within this organzation.

I would guess that Young is no higher than No. 4 on the small forward depth chart, only ahead of Wear. However, I’d be a bit concerned about the health of two players–Deng and Brown.

Deng is 31 years old and heading into his thirteenth NBA season. While he’s remained relatively healthy over the years, his age and overall durability is a concern.

Brown is still recovering from a foot injury and has dealt with a number of health issues since the Lakers made him a second-round pick in 2015.

I’m predicting these concerns become realities during training camp, forcing the Lakers to keep Young around. It’s not ideal, but that’s life.