The thought of the Los Angeles Lakers could bring an instant hatred for many people across America. They are one of the franchises that simply “buy their teams.” You also have the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys that are labeled as most hated teams in their respected sports. Right now, it seems that each team is in a decline in terms of winning. The Yankees are an aging team that must replenish their farm system to compete with the other teams that feature younger and better players. As for the Cowboys, they’ve been in disarray since Jimmy Johnson was let go. I’m not sure you could ever get it through Jerry Jones’ head to develop players instead of signing players who have reached their climax and take advantage of the mega contracts handed to them.
The Lakers seem to be in a different state than the other two. Yes, their sub .500 record could be a bad reflection; however, I was able to watch their recent game against the Knicks. Being on the east coast, we don’t get to see a lot of the players that are more role players. One player that stood out to me was Kendall Marshall. In college, he was known for his penetrating and dishing to other players for open shots at North Carolina. After being drafted 13th overall, he struggled with the Phoenix Suns. Eventually, he was sent to the D-League to play for the 87ers. The Lakers were decimated by injuries to their point guard positions and called up Marshall. In his 1st start he put up 20 points and 15 assists and he hasn’t looked back. His January averages include 12 points, 11.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds – a fantasy basketballer’s dream. Marshall reminds me of Steve Nash with his pass first mentality. You might be quick to judge and say there’s no way, but let me convince you otherwise. Nash’s best season included 11.6 assists per game. Marshall is averaging 11.5 since he took over the starting gig. His biggest knock has been his shooting and defense. Kendall is shooting 43% from the floor and 46% from 3 point range in January. Nash’s best averages are 53% and 47% respectively. With time, Marshall has the capability of surpassing Steve’s numbers. Nash also had a sidekick during his best years. Lucky for Marshall, he has Kobe Bryant who isn’t too shabby. Playing under the same head coach as Nash did during his glory years in Mike D’Antoni; Kendall Marshall could lead this team back to the promise land in the near future, along with some help.
That help could be from the draft and free agency acquisitions. The Lakers only have roughly $36 million committed to their team for the 2014-2015 season. Kobe, Nash, and Robert Sacre are the only players under contract for next season. As many of us know, this offseason will make or break many franchises. The plethora of players available can take a team to the Finals. I would imagine the team re-signs Marshall, Nick Young, Jordan Hill and Jodie Meeks. It would make sense to sign Pau Gasol now while his value isn’t particularly high and could come a little bit cheaper. Assuming Kobe, Marshall, and Pau are already in the starting lineup, that leaves you with small forward and either center or power forward to fill. Jodie Meeks has thrived in the starting lineup, but I think he could also thrive in the second unit along with Nick Young. Channing Frye is a name to keep an eye on. He is a big man that can shoot the 3, something that D’Antoni loves. Greg Monroe is also a name to keep an eye on. Although he is a restricted free agent, the Pistons aren’t exactly improving with him, Andre Drummond, and Josh Smith in the front court. Drummond is a beast and Smith is more suited for power forward, which leaves Monroe the odd man out. There are plenty of rumors of Carmelo Anthony joining the Lakers, but I don’t see that happening. There simply isn’t enough shots to go around between him and Kobe and ‘Melo didn’t have the best relationship with Mike D’Antonio in New York.
The Lakers have a number of avenues they could take in the draft. It all depends on where they land. If they land in 7-12th range, Aaron Gordon would be a perfect fit for the team. He is a versatile big man that comes from the west coast and is currently starring for the Arizona Wildcats. He wouldn’t have to be an immediate #1 option and could learn from Pau Gasol. If he isn’t available, they could look for Julius Randle or Noah Vonleh. Randle is the more house hold name from Kentucky that boasts a physical presence down low. His game is a mirror image of Zach Randolph and could allow Pau Gasol to now bang with the physical post players in the league which would preserve him a little longer. Vonleh would be more of a developmental project but you always have to take a chance on a 6’10’’ center that has raw, but promising upside (said the Grizzlies when they drafted Hasheem Thabeet). Rodney Hood is also a man to target. He is an athletic 6’8” forward that could run alongside Kobe and eventually succeed him in being the #1 scoring option.
Overall, the Lakers are fine. Fans, be patient (yes, tough thing to swallow). To me, the NBA cannot afford to have one the league’s most recognizable franchises not flourish. The team will end up with a high draft pick that will surely help them immediately. Even with David Stern retiring, I’m sure Adam Silver will “help out the Lakers.” Hopefully he doesn’t have an awkward conversation with Jim Rome like Stern did.
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It is very intriguing with the recent report of Pau Gasol getting angry and throwing his shoes in disgust in a recent loss. Kobe said he loves seeing this because it shows that they’re not accepting losing. Bryant will come back revitalized and will surely win his 6th ring. All will be right in the world of Laker Land.