Lakers’ Nick Young Confirms Opt Out

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick Young confirmed to Basketball Insiders in a text message that he has indeed opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“It’s true, yeah,” Young texted Basketball Insiders. “[I did it] today.”

Young would have earned $1,227,985 for the 2014-15 season, but by opting out he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Young’s preference is receive a multi-year deal from Los Angeles in order to remain with the Lakers organization long-term. However, he will also test the free agent waters this summer to fully evaluate the best options for his career.

Last season, the 29-year-old Young averaged a career-high 17.9 points for the Lakers, emerging as a significant contributor for the team. He shot 43.5 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three-point range.

Young has also had stints with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.

With Young opting out, the Lakers only have three players with guaranteed contracts on their roster for next season: Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre.

They currently have $34,116,243 in guaranteed commitments for next season, and are expected to be players in free agency.