Los Angeles Lakers: The Curious Case Of Swaggy P

Exploring the curious case of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Nick Young, who looked like a star in the making just a few years ago

Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal once referred to Nick Young as a future NBA All-Star, but that is, whenever he chooses to get rid of the Swaggy P moniker.

When one of the true dominant forces in the NBA says you have to skills to be an All-Star, fans should take notice.

Now that isn’t to say Nick Young doesn’t have his set of weaknesses (passing the ball, or lack thereof). But his ability to create his own shot and spot-up on the perimeter is what sets him apart from most players.

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Young has a diverse arsenal of skills on the offensive end of the floor; he can literally score from anywhere on the court.

His shooting percentages over the last couple of seasons are a bit deceiving as they have been down, due to sporadic playing time and former Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott’s incompetence.

It’s no surprise Young’s lowest career totals over the last two seasons have come playing under Scott. Instead of having Swaggy P play to his strengths, he chose to highlight his weaknesses.

Mike D’Antoni had Swaggy play in the post, spot up for three’s, or create shots for himself; in either isolation situations or in the pick-and-roll. But Scott had Young play to his flaws, which is scoring by coming off of screens and dribble handoffs, and also being more of a playmaker out of pick-and-rolls.

And that’s without even getting into the inconsistent playing time Swaggy received. Scott wouldn’t play Young for weeks on end. Yet, out of the blue, he would decide to put him into a game, forcing him to score, when he clearly wasn’t ready.

It’s hard shooting high percentages when you’re coach chooses to play you out of nowhere. That’s why so many players on the roster are relieved that he is gone, because keeping an open line of communication isn’t something Byron Scott is too fond off.

"[via HoopsHype]“He’s one of the best people I know, as far as off the court,” Russell said of Walton. “We communicate on and off the court as much as possible. I feel like I can call him anytime. He’s not like a head coach that will sit back and just watches his other coaches and colleagues just train other players, he’s always involved.”"

How do you expect you’re players to want to play for you, when you’re not communicating with them? That’s why it’s refreshing hearing the players talk about Luke Walton. This year things are going to be different, and Nick Young is going to get another chance with the team.

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Luke Walton isn’t going to hold Young back offensively, so now it’s up to him to make the most of this opportunity, because if he doesn’t, his time with the Los Angeles Lakers will be coming to an end.