Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Comments on Trade Talk, Nick Young Update and More
The Los Angeles Lakers haven't exactly begun the 2014-15 season in they way they had hoped. The team is coming off a historically bad season plagued by injuries, and while the team features a different cast, it's involved in a similar story.
Los Angeles is already dealing with several injuries, perhaps the most devastating being the loss of rookie Julius Randle due to a broken leg, and that's resulted in an 0-4 start to the season. Although, there is a bit of good news for the team before it takes on the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night.
So, what kind of good vibes are headed the Lakers' way? Here's a look at three bits of information that should bring smiles to the faces of the team's faithful.
Kobe Shuts Down Trade Talk
Kobe Bryant appears fully healthy, and he's already taking on a larger workload than expected through four games this year. He's played well so far, averaging 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per contest.
Of course, since the Lakers have yet to win a game, and the guard is in the twilight of his career, that sparked chatter of a possible trade demand. Well, during an interview with Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, Bryant was quick to halt such talk:
"I hear the chatter of Kobe should ask out and he should go and play for a contender in this latter stage of his career. But that's not what I do. I'm extremely loyal to the Lakers.
I believe in fighting through the tough times as well as enjoying the good times. It's my responsibility to get us to be the best that we can be. It's important that we approach that on a day-to-day basis.
"
Sure, the season is still very early, but Bryant does appear committed to Los Angeles. After all, he's already claimed NBA titles during his lengthy tenure. It's not as if he's 19 years in the Association without a single NBA championship to his name.
This team will get stronger, it will win games and Bryant will be content to remain in place.
Nick Young Injury Update
One big blow to the Lakers was the loss of Young before the season began. He was prolific off the bench for the team last season, averaging 17.9 points per game. His talents are sorely missed by a team in dire need of more offense this year.
Luckily, Young's recovery took a big step in the right direction, as Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News tweeted the small forward graduated to a soft cast:
Young previously had a hard cast on his shooting hand and was unable to do any significant work. He had the hard cast removed in late October, and the soft cast will allow him to gradually increase his practice regimen.
While he still does have several weeks until he's cleared to be back in action, this small step forward is a great sign.
Return of Ryan Kelly
Kelly has yet to play in a game for the Lakers this year due to a nagging hamstring injury. The power forward served as a good option off the bench during the 2013-14 season, averaging 8.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists while averaging 22.2 minutes of on-court time.
Due to the severe need for depth, the Lakers will be welcoming back this second-year player with open arms. The good news is that he may suit up as early as Tuesday against the Suns, according to the team's official Twitter account:
Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times noted that the team also declared Kelly as probable:
As long as the forward doesn't experience any setback, we should expect to see him in his first action of the year against the Suns. That's a good start for a Lakers team in need of some kind of spark.
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