Nick Young on new Lakers deal: 'Kobe is still Batman, but he need a little help'
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Calvin and Hobbes. Andre 3000 and Big Boi. Batman and Robin. Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty. Black Mamba and Swaggy P.
Great duos are littered throughout the history of pop culture, and the 2014-15 Los Angeles Lakers could have a pair joining a long list of inspiring tag teams. With Nick Young back in the fold on a new four-year contract, he and Kobe Bryant will get an extended opportunity to forge a relationship, assuming there are enough shots to go around.
Speaking on ESPN LA 710 on Thursday, Young was quick to use a comic book reference of his own for a Lakers squad that hopes to be improved without much in the way of roster upgrades, but with a healthy captain at the helm:
Nick Young: "Ya'll got Swaggy back, so don't worry! All the hoopla and all that, don't be scared, we good!" #SwaggyP (on @ESPNLA710)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 31, 2014
Nick Young on his 4-year deal: "Kobe is still Batman, but he need a little help!" (on @ESPNLA710)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 31, 2014
With Bryant missing most of 2013-14, he and Young got just 82 minutes of floor time together. In that short time, the team outscored opponents by 12 points and Bryant shot 48.8 percent from the floor, much improved from the 34.4 percent he shot with Young on the bench.
That is a ridiculously small sample, but there's still plenty of reason to think the tag team could be an entertaining one. Imagine the looks from Bryant if Young were to do something like this, or take a shot on a play designed for Bryant (a near certainty). It's going to be great.
Of course, if the team ends up signing Michael Beasley, this could all wind up more Suicide Squad than Justice League.