Dwight Howard, Earl Clark and Antawn Jamison are the only three players who are completely off the books next season without a player option or any similar strings attached.
With Clark and Jamison being relatively cheap options at this point in their careers and Howard being heralded as the future cornerstone of the franchise, it is clear the Lakers won't be able to make any drastic moves the following season.
However, following the 2013-14 season, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol come off of the books for the Lakers.
Although Bryant and Gasol are two of the most talented veterans in the NBA, they come with massive contracts that have crippled the Lakers' short-term ability to make drastic changes.
There is no doubt that when healthy, Bryant is the premier shooting guard in the NBA. Even with his age, there is no player with the killer instinct that he possesses. However, despite his excellent play in stretches this season, injuries have caught up with him these past few seasons and is hampering the "Black Mamba's" ability to stay on the floor.
Thus, when his contract comes off of the books, it will give the Lakers financial flexibility while allowing them the options of re-signing the veteran at a discount or letting him retire after an illustrious career.
Bryant is owed more than $30.4 million next season, which makes up almost half of the team's salary cap. That $30.4 million could be used to sign two all-stars or a superstar alongside a serviceable role player.
With Bryant contemplating retirement and questioning his drive, the c...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
