LA started the year as favorites to win the title for a third straight year. While not everyone thought the Lakers would three-peat, not even the worst Lakers hater could have predicted a second round sweep at the hands of Dallas. The Mavs have folded in the playoffs for years, which makes their broom job of the champs all the crazier.
The Lakers head into the off season with tremendous uncertainty about next year's team. Will they trade Andrew Bynum? Is Kobe getting too old? Who is available via trade and free agency? These questions, and more, need to be answered by team owner Jerry Bus and GM Mitch Kupcheck.
The Lakers also have a few bad contracts to deal with. Derek Fisher is under contract until 2013, as is Luke Walton. Ron Artest is on the books until 2014. In addition to some bad contracts, the team has no young players who will contribute in the next few years and zero first round draft picks in the 2011 draft.
So where does this leave the Lakers, and what improvements CAN the team make?
Here are three options, in no particular order, the team might consider…
TRADE FOR DWIGHT HOWARD
It's no secret Dwight Howard can become a free agent following the 2011-12 season. After seeing what Lebron's "Decision" did to Cleveland, Orlando should consider going the route the Nuggets went with Carmelo Anthony, and trade Howard before he leaves the team for nothing.
The Lakers are a prime destination, as the likely return for Howard would be Andrew Bynum. Bynum is less polished than Howard, but is one of the few true centers in the league, he's younger, and had very comparable numbers the second half of the season. This trade keeps Orlando relevant and give Lakers' fans a reason to smile. Howard is tailor made to play in Hollywood. He has a huge personality and big smile that would fit perfectly in LA, and given the Lakers lack of toughness, Howard is exactly what the Lakers need. Trading for Howard is easier said than done, but given what they have to offer Orlando, this is an option worth keeping an eye on.
TRADE FOR CHRIS PAUL
The Lakers looked very old and slow on the perimeter these playoffs where they were eaten alive in pick 'n rolls. And this wasn't Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire who did this to LA, this was J.J. Barea and Tyson Chandler. Derek Fisher is no longer a starter, Shannon Brown isn't either, and Kobe can only do so much as he goods older.
Adding Paul would give the Lakers an above-average perimeter defender, not to mention a brilliant point guard who destroyed LA in the first round. Paul is young, charismatic, and has proven he can lead a team at a high level. Team him with Kobe, Gasol and Lamar, and the Lakers are once again favorites in the west next year.
For this trade to work, again, it hinges on the Lakers willingness to move Bynum, as well as New Orleans' willingness to move Paul. The Hornets are in a similar situation as Orlando, as Paul is expected to leave town following next season. Getting Bynum would be a nice piece for the Hornets to build around.
STAND PAT AND REGROUP
Of the three options, this is the one Lakers' fans least want to see. The fact is, the Lakers were healthy and couldn't get out of the second round. Perhaps after remembering what it's like to lose they will refocus for next year. Not likely. Still, a lineup of Bynum, Gasol, Artest, Kobe and Shannon Brown, with Fisher, Blake and Barnes coming off the bench, is still a lineup that would probably be favored to at least make the Western Conference Finals.
SURPRISE FOURTH OPTION - TRADE FOR CHRIS PAUL AND DWIGHT HOWARD
OK, this is extremely unrealistic and bordering on insanity, but lets roll with it for a moment. New Orleans and Orlando are looking to get something in return for their stars. Orlando accepts Andrew Bynum, a future 1st round pick and Cash in exchange for Dwight Howard. New Orleans moves Paul and an overpriced Emeka Okafor in Exchange for Pau Gasol, Luke Walton and Cash. LA then convinces veterans Jason Richardson and Tayshaun Prince to sign for the veteran's minimum and a chance to win a title.
Lets admit it, the only real place that final scenario has a legitimate chance of playing out is in a video game or a new Stephen King thriller titled The Scariest Team Alive!
I do not envy Jerry Bus and Mitch Kupcheck. Winning a title is the standard for the Lakers, especially coming off back-to-back titles. And as long as Kobe Bryant is wearing the purple and forum blue, Lakers' fans will believe they have a shot at winning it all, and rightfully so.
In the meantime, the team's players will enjoy golfing, fishing and whatever else it is you do after completely melting down in the playoffs.
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