Nick Young details alleged retaliation in 2016 Lakers scandal

Former NBA player Nick Young has shared new details regarding the 2016 controversy involving teammate D’Angelo Russell and a leaked recording. Speaking on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, Young claimed that his anger over the incident—which involved Russell secretly recording Young discussing infidelity while Young was engaged to Iggy Azalea—led to several confrontations.

Young stated that he attempted to confront Russell at the arena, but security prevented the encounter and instructed him to take time away from the team. Furthermore, Young alleged that his friends physically confronted Russell’s brother in the Lakers’ family lounge as a form of retaliation while Russell was playing. Young described the recording as a betrayal by a teammate, noting that he felt pressure to respond to avoid appearing weak.