While tanking the season has never been a part of the team's culture, especially with Kobe Bryant on the roster, the Lakers may still be headed to the lottery even with the second return of the Black Mamba looming.
While older and more experienced hands like Pau Gasol have developed good chemistry with the energetic young talent and kept the Lakers competitive through the first 20 games of the season, the Lakers have struggled as of late. Now is the time for the Lakers to start managing the minutes of their veterans and their prospects in order to find a workable balance if they want to salvage the season.
Other than Kobe Bryant, most of the veterans on the roster aren't expected to be integral parts of the Lakers' future. However, some of the young talent like Nick Young and Jordan Farmar have shown that they could be important rotation players as the Lakers proceed into the Black Mamba's final run with the team.
The following players should receive less playing time for a variety of different reasons. These could vary from lack of productivity to extenuating circumstances.
Pau Gasol
Nobody is doubting Gasol's ability to produce when healthy. In fact, the big man has been on an absolute tear as of late. Averaging 18.9 points on 47.0 percent shooting from the field and gobbling up 10.9 rebounds per game in his last seven games, Gasol looks like he is in All-Star form. Unfortunately, the Lakers only won two of those seven games and are still out of the playoff picture.
Despite his productivity, if the recent trade rumors, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears, were any indication, it d...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
