Nick Young sings deal with Lakers
Some people still recognize the colors purple and gold. But one very memorable player won’t be wearing them anymore.
Metta World Peace was officially waived Thursday by the Lakers via the NBA’s one-time amnesty provision.
World Peace (33) was dropped in a purely cost-cutting move by the Lakers, who stand to have about 23 million dollars erased from their ledger with luxury-tax charges included, although they still have to pay World Peace his 7,7 million dollars salary for the 2013-14 season.
Nick Young.
In another move for LA, the Lakers signed free agent Nick Young, who starred at Southern California during his college career. The 6-foot-7 guard-forward averaged 10,6 points, 2,2 rebounds and 1,4 assists in 59 games for Philadelphia last season.
“At 6’7,” Nick’s size, ability to create his own shot and athleticism make him a versatile player who will give our lineup multiple looks on the floor” – said Kupchak. “He’s an exciting player, and we’re excited to have him on our roster.”
Young (28) is a shoot-first, pass-last player who gets penciled in to start for the Lakers at small forward after averaging 10.6 points and shooting 41.3% last season with the Philadelphia 76ers as an occasional starter.
He has averaged one assist per game, and 11.3 points, in a six-year NBA career that includes more than 41/2 seasons in Washington and a brief stay with the Clippers toward the end of the 2011-12 season. He played at USC and also at Reseda Cleveland High.
“It’s great for Nick and great for the Lakers” – Young’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Thursday. “He could’ve waited and got more money in the free-agent market, but his dream has always been to play for the Lakers.”