Lakers inquire about small forwards Nick Young, Brandon Rush

The Lakers have made preliminary inquiries about free-agent small forwards Nick Young and Brandon Rush, The Times has learned.

Young, who finished last season with the Clippers and averaged 14.2 points — but only 9.7 in 22 games after his acquisition — on a disappointing 40% shooting from the field, is probably too expensive for the Lakers’ spending limit of $3 million (the so-called mini mid-level exception).

Rush, who averaged nearly 10 points a game by shooting 50% from the field and 45% from three-point range, is a better possibility at that price range, but he’s a restricted free agent, meaning Golden State can match any offer sheet he signs.

The Lakers also discussed the possibility of adding backup big man Louis Amundson.

When free agency began Saturday night, the Lakers immediately made contact with three of their own players without contracts: Ramon Sessions, Jordan Hill and Devin Ebanks.

The Lakers do not have to adhere to the $3-million cap for their own free agents, making it potentially easier to sign them.

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