Still, the postseason plan the Mamba laid out during his exit interview is one that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak would be wise to follow: add length, speed and athleticism to this aging roster (via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times).
Of course, saying it is a lot easier than doing it, particularly with the Lakers facing a possible $85 million luxury tax bill.
The tax hit doesn't need to be quite so dramatic.
L.A. has $78 million committed to next year's payroll, assuming Metta World Peace does not opt out of his $7.7 million salary for next season (via HoopsHype.com). Obviously that figure grows incrementally if the team finds a way to re-sign Dwight Howard, but it can also dip if the franchise opts to exercise its amnesty clause on Pau Gasol ($19.2 million) or World Peace.
Kobe Bryant ($30.4 million) isn't going anywhere. Likewise for Steve Nash ($9.3 million), Steve Blake ($4.0 million), Chris Duhon ($3.9 million) and Jordan Hill ($3.5 million). Jodie Meeks could also be a part of the mix, but the Lakers will determine his fate with a $1.5 million team option.
And according to HoopsWorld.com, that leaves L.A. with nothing better than a mini mid-level exception (roughly $1.6 million) to attract any free agents.
Standing pat is not an option, but that's not the Lakers' way anyway. Same goes for penny-pinching, although there could be some change with Jim and Jeanie Buss now filling the legendary shoes of their late father, Jerry.
There's room for improvement; even some length, speed and athleticism to be had.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
