That’s it.
The addition of Kentucky standout Julius Randle with the No. 7 pick in the draft is a start, but he’s just one piece to the overall puzzle. It will take much more if L.A. plans on returning to the playoffs in 2015.
Considering the two returning backcourt members managed to play in just 21 games combined during 2013-14, the Lakers have a lot of work to do. Not only will general manager Mitch Kupchak have to build a complete roster around the few guys returning, but he’ll also need to create insurance for aging stars.
Put simply, Lakerland may be in for more of a challenge this summer than any other franchise.
Where the Lakers go from here will define whether or not they’ll climb out of the Western Conference basement.
Needs
The Lakers’ 2014 offseason needs can be summed up with one word: Everything.
Heck, the front office hasn’t even decided on a coach to replace the embattled Mike D’Antoni. Former Laker and Coach of the Year winner Byron Scott is considered the front-runner, per ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne, but nothing is official just yet.
Building a roster without a coaching staff in place isn’t an ideal starting point for Kupchak and Co., but that’s where we stand.
Assuming that Bryant will come back healthy next season, the Lakers shouldn’t have an issue finding offense at the shooting guard spot. Still, D’Antoni’s up-tempo system is likely to devolve with a new man patrolling the sideline. As a result, L.A. must find guys who can complement the Black Mamba’s fading skills.
Randle isn’t exactly what scouts would call polish...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
