Nick Young reacts to seeing the crowd around teammate Kobe Bryant on media day in El Segundo, Calif., on Sep. 29, 2014. The Lakers open their season on Oct. 29 against the Houston Rockets. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images file)
By Mark Medina and J.P. Hoorsnstra
The Lakers exuded a positive vibe during Monday’s practice, their latest win coinciding with an energetic presence on the practice court.
Lakers forward Nick Young emerged onto the floor, the removed cast that had supported his surgically repaired thumb for the past five weeks allowing him to complete tasks he once enjoyed. Young dribbled between his legs. He hoisted three pointers. Young flashed his signature smile through it all.
But the Lakers will still have to wait before Young will show that in a game. Lakers coach Byron Scott hopes that Young will begin practicing in full contact scrimmaging next week, which coincides with the Lakers’ original timeline that he’d stay out for eight weeks.
The Lakers have sorely missed Young’s prolific offense after averaging last season a team-leading 17.9 points on 43.5 percent shooting.
RELATED:
James Worthy helps Lakers rookie Julius Randle through recovery
Lakers’ 107-92 victory over Charlotte ends winning drought
Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford reflects on time with Lakers
Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com