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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Likeliest Players To Not Be With Team After Trade Deadline

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton (right) talks with guard D'Angelo Russell (1) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. The Portland Trail Blazers won 108-87. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton (right) talks with guard D'Angelo Russell (1) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. The Portland Trail Blazers won 108-87. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Likeliest Players To Not Be With Team After Trade Deadline
Feb 10, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) reacts after making a basket during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Young

Young has re-invented himself with the Lakers this season. After numerous attempts to trade Swaggy P during the offseason, the Lakers received no interest. They should consider themselves lucky, as Young has turned into a valuable piece for them.

He earned a starting role with the team during the offseason and has played extremely well. Young has never started this much in his career but has thrived in the role. Head coach Luke Walton has relied on Young as their best defensive player, and as always, Young can fill it up with the best of them.

The Lakers are 3.3 points better per 100 possessions with Young on the court than off the court. They play better when he is on the court but the team could benefit from trading him as well.

The only caveat with trading Young is that he could be a rental player. He has a player option for the 2017-18 season which he will probably opt out of to try and land another long-term deal. With how he has played this season, he should have no problem improving upon the $5.7 million he is set to make next season.

That could lower the package the Lakers receive in return for Young, but it is an avenue they need to explore. Young probably isn’t a part of their future so trading him for future assets makes sense.

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