Nick Young to receive an MRI on sprained thumb

The Los Angeles Lakers' backcourt was rocked by injuries last season. Both Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant missed significant time, opening the way for shooting guard Nick Young to step into the spotlight. 

This season, however, may not be such a lucky one for Young, who sprained his right thumb in practice on Friday. Young apparently picked up the injury while defending Bryant. He will have an MRI on his hand to assess the extent of the injury.

The Lakers signed Young to a four-year, $24-million deal this summer after he averaged a career-high 17.9 points per game last season. 

With Bryant and Nash now healthy, Young figures to come off the bench.