Nick Young voices desire to play on playoff contender

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At Thursday’s exit interviews, Lakers swingman Nick Young was quite open with the media, going as far to talk about the possibility of him opting out of his contract with the Lakers this summer.

First Nick Young said 50-50 that he’d return, then said 60-40 (but wouldn’t say which side he was leaning towards), but….

— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 13, 2017

While Swaggy P wouldn’t comment on the record as to whether he’d opt out, he did voice his desire to play on a contending team at this point in his career as opposed to a developing one the Lakers will likely have.

Nick Young says he's not sure he wants to sit around and wait for team to progress. Says he wants to play in the playoffs at his age.

— Shahan A. (@shahanLA) April 13, 2017

While much of what Young says is done so in a joking manner (as only Swaggy P can do), the most telling sign of his possible imminent departure came as he ended his exit interview.

Nick Young as he leaves the room tells the media: "I'll see ya'll when I come back and play ya'll next year." …laughs.

— Shahan A. (@shahanLA) April 13, 2017

Nick Young had a career renaissance this season under Luke Walton, averaging 13.2 points on 40.4 percent three-point shooting, the best marks in his career since his first year as a Laker.

Swaggy P finished just 12 three-pointers shy of the single-season record for the Lakers after hitting 170 this season in just 60 games, by far the highest total of his career. Young openly talked about Walton’s role in revitalizing his career with the Lakers this season.

Nick Young – I owe Luke a Rolex, need to take him on a cruise (for what he did for Young this year) – "I'm Swaggy P again"

— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) April 13, 2017

However, with Young turning 32 in June and holding a one-year player option for just $5.6 million next season, it was likely the veteran sharp-shooter would opt out of his contract for more long-term financially security.

If this is the end for Young’s tenure in L.A., it will certainly be a memorable one. While his time in L.A. will be mired by the losing, Young was often a bright spot in the sea of losses the Lakers had.

And, as Young said himself, there might not be enough room for he and #FutureLakerDad Lavar Ball.

https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina/status/852572800481075201

Never change, Swaggy. Never change.