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Report: Nick Young to test free agency

Nick Young will be looking for a pay raise this summer, even if it means leaving his native Los Angeles. (Noah Graham/Getty)

Swaggy P

In an interview with NBA.com posted Thursday, Lakers guard Nick Young "strongly indicated" he will test free agency this offseason.

Young has a $1.2 million player option for 2014-15, which is well below the league average salary and he will likely void. The interview comes two days after Young scored a season-high 40 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. For the year, Young is averaging 17.3 points per game on 42.4% shooting, with a career-high 15.1 PER.

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In keeping with his eccentric personality, Young conducted some of the interview in the third person, referring to himself as 'Swaggy P,' his alter ego. When asked if he'd made up his mind about free agency, Young responded:

“A little bit. It’s a mystery, though. I’ve got to keep y’all on your toes. That’s what Swaggy P does.”

On whether he sees himself as a $1.2 million player:

“Not at all. Most definitely. I deserve much more than that.”

The Lakers are 25-50, and on pace for the franchise's worst record since 1959-60.