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Lakers rumors: Can they make the playoffs?

By Keith Rivas

Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Semaj Christon (6) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Closing Thoughts

Dec 14, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick Young (0) reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Nick Young (0) reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

In addition to the aforementioned reasons, Nick Young is the extra credit factor.

Nobody really thought he’d do much this season with Los Angeles. In fact, there was plenty of reason to believe that he’d not even be with the team at the start of the season.

None of that happened, and instead he’s made a case for potentially the most improved player in the league. He’s gone from someone that only made headlines if he was in a blooper reel or some sort of off-the-court incident.

Now he has people talking about his defense being crucial to the team’s success.

The Lakers legitimately had problems because he, of all people, had an injury that kept him sidelined with D’Angelo Russell.

For Young to continue to be effective, health obviously goes without saying. Once that’s taken care of, Young must remember his place on the team.

He’s in between who would be considered the young core and who would be seasoned league veterans.

Not fitting into either category, let alone any, hasn’t seemed to bug him though.

Closing out the 2016 part of the season strong is important, too.

Playing the Clippers on Christmas Day along with a fresh start come January will change their outlook the rest of the way.

Next: Should Lakers Pursue A Superstar?

Let’s hope they see the change coming and run with it.

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