Because You Wanted a 2nd Opinion

Two seasons ago the Los Angeles Lakers were celebrating their second championship in as many years. However, everything since then has pretty much gone downhill from there. The Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks in a fashion that was disgraceful to such a proud organization.  Phil Jackson retired from coaching, not celebrating a 4^th back-to back- to back, but on the losing end of a 36-point blowout. Then Mike Brown was hired after many Laker players and fans wanted Brian Shaw to finally get the nod as head coach. Then came the failed Chris Paul trade followed by the exit of Lamar Odom. Lastly, the signings of Josh McRoberts, Jason Kapono and Troy Murphy, three players that Laker fans were not expecting.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers drafted Blake Griffin, signed Caron Butler, traded for Chris Paul and claimed Chauncey Billiups off waivers. Laker fans can’t seem to comprehend how this all happened, how they went from championship contenders to mediocre playoff team. Despite having one of the best 3-player tandems in the NBA, the Lakers don’t have much else.  They have no 3-point shooting (Last in the NBA), no depth on the bench and father time seems to be catching up with most of the team. The offense is atrocious averaging 92 points a game and is based on how many points Kobe Bryant scores each given night. Not to mention, no cap space to make any signings to really improve the team.

The Lakers don’t really have any valuable trade assets, Andrew Bynum is by far the most valuable and Pau Gasol has some value but is decreasing by the season. However, teams are not calling the Lakers for aging players like Derek Fisher, Metta World Peace, and Luke Walton or unproven players like Devin Ebanks. Kobe Bryant’s $30million-per-year contract doesn’t help the Laker’s cause. Bryant, who is a Laker legend isn’t a piece the Laker’s would like to get rid of, but it’s tough to watch him receive such a bad supporting cast because of such a big contract.

I don’t see the Lakers drastically improving this season unless they can somehow get Dwight Howard, a good young point guard and some 3-point shooting. The Lakers can’t rely on Kobe to score 40 points a night; he is in his mid 30’s and is constantly battling injuries. I think the only way Kobe would come off the court is if he were stretchered out. I like the old-school toughness Kobe has, but he needs help more than ever in this stage of his career. Especially if he wants to tie Michael Jordan with six championship rings.