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In news that, at least for once this week, was a long time coming, veteran swingman Nick Young informed the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday that he turned down his player option for next season and will become a free agent.
Nick Young just declined his option with the Lakers to become a free agent, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 21, 2017
Young spent an up-and-down four seasons in Los Angeles. After signing for the veteran minimum in 2013, Young exploded for a career year, averaging 17.9 points and shooting 38.6 percent from three.
The breakout season landed him a four-year, $21.5 million deal with the Lakers. However, under head coach Byron Scott, Young found himself in the doghouse more often than not, resulting in him seeing action in just 96 games in the two seasons combined.
A refocused Young playing in a system that better suited his playing style resulted in another career year for Young. Swaggy P’s 40.4 percent three-point shooting percentage was a career-best as was his 170 threes.
However, at the age of 32 and on the backend of his career, Young seems more focused on playing for a winner rather than playing in his hometown of Los Angeles.
By opting out of his deal, Young will save the Lakers roughly $5.7 million in cap space heading into the summer.
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