Lakers Rumors: Nick Young met with Mitch Kupchak, is 'more assured' of future with Lakers, per report

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak recently met with Nick Young, and the Lakers' wing was left feeling "more assured" of his future with the organization, reports Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. The Lakers were rumored to have been shopping him during free agency, trying to free up additional salary space.

This follows up a report from Bill Oram of the OC Register that the Lakers had "no plans" to trade Young after failing to find a trade partner. Nick struggled last season under Bryon Scott, starting the season with a hand injury and never finding the kind of rhythm he had in his first year with the franchise.

Young is currently projected as the Lakers' backup small forward, playing minutes behind Kobe Bryant. The young duo of Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell will be heavily featured in the Lakers' backcourt, with Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams handling backup duties. Kupchak has noted the team could still use additional guard depth, but the Lakers seem to be weighing their options with their final roster spot.

The Lakers have Young under contract through the '17-18 season, pending on him accepting his player option for his final year. It sounds like he'll have an opportunity to bounce back from a down year as the clear backup small forward again, while he can also slide down to play shooting guard minutes when needed.