The team whiffed on Goran Dragic and other high-profile free agents during Thursday's rush to the trade deadline. To salt the wound, it was one of the most active in recent memory.
For those who follow the team closely, though, Thursday—at best—was a chance to add a minor complementary piece to help round out the roster for the future.
Now the Lakers transition toward that future, as the coaching staff explores new ways to get younger players involved.
Health Updates
For the Lakers to seize the future now, the team first needs to be healthy.
Mike Trudell of Lakers.com provides an update on three of the roster's more important names moving forward:
Wayne Ellington may or may not be in the future plans for the organization, but the 27-year old guard in his first year with the team figures to receive plenty of time moving forward. The North Carolina product flashes potential with 9.3 points per game on 22.9 minutes, but the staff will need to see what he does with an uptick in court appearances.
Nick Young is more of a "let's win a few games" option at this point more than anything. He's going to be around, and if he's healthy, the USC product figures to fill up the stat sheet, as he did last season with the burden of production on his shoulders.
Then there is Jordan Hill, who was likely everyone's favorite trade suggestion for the Lakers. At 27 years old and with averages of 12.3 points and 8.0 rebounds, Hill does not figure to be in future plans if the team chooses to get younger.
For now, though, it appears the break did the Lakers some good, especially with some changes on the way.
Making Changes
The emphasis in Los Angeles has been on the future since Kobe Bryant went down w...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
