via Imago

It’s been almost 3 days now since the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the ongoing NBA tournament. With a couple of months in their hands before the next season, LeBron James‘ franchise will be looking for some changes to improve their playing roster. While no significant decisions have been announced, a former NBA athlete has already requested his entry back into the league via the LA team.

38-year-old basketball player Nick Young took to his official X account a few hours ago. Highlighting his urge to play alongside LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers roster, he wrote, “I need a 10 day  ..bron where we working out this summer.” This is not the first time the player has proposed coming out of retirement, and it may not be the last.

Long-time NBA fans may remember Young as a prominent name in the NBA world from 2007–18. Switching between six teams during the process, he has competed and even played alongside some of the most dominant players of the current generation. After spending four years with the Los Angeles Lakers, he transitioned to Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors. There, he received the opportunity to hoist up the NBA championship trophy alongside the rest of the Warriors roster.

However, his tenure with the league lasted only a short time after that. After a 20-day period with the Denver Nuggets, the player was waived off. Nowadays, the former player has become more famous for his ‘Confused Nick Young Meme’. By hinting at a possible return to the NBA, he may be looking to turn things around. However, if Young manages to join the Lakers, he may have to explain his previous comparison between himself and LeBron.

Nick Young once claimed that he would defeat LeBron James in the Drew League

After his exit from the NBA, Nick Young took his talents to the Philippines. However, there were times when he reflected on what more he could have done during his time in the US. During an Instagram Live session in September 2023, the player expressed his desire to compete against LeBron James in the Drew League. This pro-am basketball summer league has previously hosted many NBA players.

“I guarantee, if seeing LeBron in front of me at the Drew League, you wouldn’t know who is the best player in the NBA” said Young during the live session. The former Warriors champion clarified that his remark was not meant to disrespect the Lakers star, who he considers “a G.O.A.T”. However, he also highlighted that LeBron “knows I get buckets”.

Ironically, the Drew League takes place right in Los Angeles, the home base of the Lakers. Therefore, if Young joins the franchise, he better ensure that King James is either unaware or needs to remember his earlier remarks. After all, the Drew League is just a car ride away.