This is the 31st post in a series of free-agent profiles that analyzes particular players and how they might fit in with the Lakers.

Washington Wizards guard Nick Young

Type of free agent: restricted

Positives: Fans seeing Young drop 60 pounds in a Drew League game know the dude can play. The Washington Post's Michael Lee notes there aren't many shots Young can't hit, whether it's a long-distance bomb or an off-balanced shot against two defenders. The Lakers should know this by now. After all, the USC product is a Lakers killer, averaging 25 points per game on 48.7% shooting, eight points above his season average. The Lakers are in need of a wing player besides Kobe Bryant who can score in bunches, and Young would perfectly fill that void.

Negatives: There's one problem - Young offers nothing else in value besides scoring. He also only performed consistently for the Wizards when he was given a starting spot and more security when his shot selection became questionable. Those are two luxuries Young likely won't have as much leeway with the Lakers, so it'd be too reactionary to think he could duplicate what he did in Washington again in L.A.

Verdict: The Wizards have already tendered a $3.7 million qualifying offer to Young, meaning Washington has the right to match any offer. Young would probably be more affordable than some of the other shooting guards on the market, but the Lakers should find other ways to entice him while keeping the cost down. Young has local connections and is even spending his summer out here. He also was featured  in a spread in Edge Magazine where he calls himself the "best dressed man in the NBA." For pure branding purposes, Young would likely feel enticed to listen to what the Lakers offer. 

RELATED:

Free agent profile: Tayshaun Prince

Free agent profile: Chris Wilcox

Free-agent profile: Jeff Foster

---Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com