Lakers News: Latest on Nick Young's Injury Recovery, Jeremy Lin and More

Nobody should rush to hit the panic button for the Los Angeles Lakers just yet.

The team is 0-4 and off to one of the worst starts in modern franchise history, yes. But most had to know that things were not going to be better overnight with Kobe Bryant back in the fold. That said, as ESPN Stats & Info notes, things are pretty bleak:

But the Lakers are hard at work on the court and off to make things right. New pieces continue to jell on the hardwood. The front office seems to be on the hunt for more talent, and star players continue to heal up with a return on the horizon.

Take a moment to breathe easy about the Lakers, as help seems to be on the way. The details are below.

Nick Young's Impending Return

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In his first season with the Lakers, Nick Young was a key contributor on a bumbling squad, shooting .435 from the field and averaging 17.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

It should go without saying that the current rotation would love to have that sort of contributor.

Young continues to work his way back from a serious thumb injury. The latest update from Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times is encouraging:

Young himself then took to Instagram to celebrate the good news:

The impact of Young's return cannot be understated. His ability to create offense off the bench as the team's sixth man will make things easier for all involved, including Bryant.

In a conference where depth rules supreme, the Lakers need a player of Young's caliber to create for himself and others. Barring a setback, it sounds as if he will do just that in the coming weeks, regardless of how the team does in his absence.

Lakers on the Hunt for More Talent?

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

With rookie Julius Randle out for the season, it seemed only a matter of time before the Lakers went out and looked to add some depth at a thin spot.

It is perhaps the Denver Nuggets who will help most in this regard after waiving small forward Quincy Miller.

According to Shams Charania of RealGM.com, the Lakers are one of the main teams in on the former second-round pick. Charania writes that "Free agent Quincy Miller has received several inquiries from NBA teams since joining the available market on Monday, with the Los Angeles Lakers as leading suitors for the forward, league sources told RealGM."

Just 21 years old, Miller averaged 4.9 points and 2.8 rebounds last season in minimal playing time. He figures to get much of the same with the Lakers right out of the gates, but he certainly fits with the long-term plan of building a young nucleus to contend in the future.

Given that Young is still out, leaving just Wes Johnson and Xavier Henry at the spot, it makes sense the team would want to reinforce a problem area. Miller is versatile in that he can help in multiple areas, which will help to further solve scoring issues off the bench.

Keep an eye out, though, as adding Miller would mean another player must be shown the door.

Jeremy Lin Takes Control

At face value, Jeremy Lin was one of the better adds of last offseason in that the Lakers were getting a young player with a ton of potential, especially in the team's offense, and some flexibility toward the future to boot given his contract situation.

So far, though, life has been a rollercoaster with Lin at the front of the offense. His up-and-down play produced some strong comments from Bryant as of late, as captured by ESPNLosAngeles.com's Baxter Holmes:

"

You have to be able to assert yourself, especially on a team that I'm playing on -- especially on a team I'm playing on. Because I don't want chumps, I don't want pushovers, and if you're a chump and a pushover, I will run over you. It's important for him to have that toughness and to say, 'I believe in myself. I can step up, I can make these plays, I can perform.' I think that is very, very important.

"

Lin promptly responded with 17 points and nine assists in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He then had six points and as many assists in a loss to the Golden State Warriors in which he did not hit a shot from the field. 

The point is, the support is there from Lin, and it was obvious from the beginning that he was going to need time to adapt. The globe knows what he is capable of once comfortable, but how Bryant's public backing impacts him in the long run is hard to say.

Regardless, Lin has an extremely long leash. The only point guards on the roster behind him are Ronnie Price and the injured Steve Nash, both names that will in no way grab the starting gig. Keep a close eye on Lin and his relationship with all involved moving forward.