Nick Young Says He Prefers ‘Winning Atmosphere’ of Lakers Over Playing for Clippers

Nick Young is currently starting for an 11-24 Lakers team that will, barring a historic run, miss the Playoffs. However, Swaggy P recently remarked that he prefers playing for the Lakers as compared to the Clippers, with whom he played the tail end of the 2012 season. Why? “Being a Laker, there’s nothing like it,” Young told the Orange County Register, before noting the Lakers’ “atmosphere of winning.” Read the full quotes:

Nick Young enjoyed his brief time with the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent 22 regular season games with the franchise in 2012, went to the playoffs, and was part of one of the greatest comebacks in postseason history.

 

“I was really one of the reasons that happened,” said a grinning Young, who never lacks for confidence.

 

But when it comes to learning and improving, the L.A. native said he’s had a better experience with the Lakers.

 

“Being a Laker, there’s nothing like it,” Young said. “I think I learn more just being here and being around an atmosphere of winning, toughness and learning how to play under a great player like Kobe (Bryant).”

 

Some may raise an eyebrow at the middle part of that statement.

 

An atmosphere of… Winning?

 

The Lakers are 11-24 and on pace for the worst 82-game record in franchise history. entering Thursday’s game against the Clippers at Staples Center the franchise with 16 NBA titles has lost eight of their last nine games against the team with none, including a 118-111 loss to the Clippers on Halloween night.

 

Through it all, Young said he doesn’t have much animosity for the Clippers. He reserves that for the team that drafted him and traded him to the Clippers, the Washington Wizards.

 

“I hate the Wizards,” said Young, who played in Washington from 2007-12. “But I like some of the guys over the guys, I just hate the Wizards.”