Only three players have guaranteed contracts for 2014-15; Mike D’Antoni is firmly planted on the coaching hot seat; and unless the current squad finishes undefeated, L.A. will be coming off its worst season in franchise history since moving to Los Angeles in 1960-61, per ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin:
Questions confronting the storied franchise are prevalent from management all the way down to the roster’s 12th man, but certain issues will be thrust to the forefront during the 2014 NBA offseason.
Who Will Patrol the Sidelines?
D’Antoni’s future with the Purple and Gold appears to be very much in doubt.
On top of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith citing a source that said Mike D will be “gone at the end of the season” (h/t Lakers Nation’s Corey Hansford), Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported that Kobe Bryant has “no interest” in playing for the offensive guru next season.
If Bryant—the past, present and future of the franchise—doesn’t want to spend the twilight of his career under a run-and-gun specialist, it likely will not happen.
The head coach is under contract through 2014-15, but it doesn’t appear as if extracting stellar play from guys like Jodie Meeks, Jordan Farmar and Xavier Henry will save his job.
Lakers management may still construct a roster that caters to the Italian’s uptempo, hyperoffensive style, but a balanced attack that includes solid defense has always been L.A.’s bread and butter during championship years.
One coaching candidate who could instill a defensive philosophy is Lionel Hollins.
In four seasons leading the Memphis Grizzlies from 2009-10 through 2012-13, Hollins&rsq...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
