Lakers News: Analyzing Nick Young Trade Buzz and Latest Free-Agency Moves

Things are starting to pick up around the Los Angeles Lakers. 

While general manager Mitch Kupchak and the front office aren't going nuts with names like DeMarcus Cousins and LaMarcus Aldridge, they are sticking to their rebuilding plan one small step at a time.

In other words, the front office continues to make cap-savvy moves to build around a budding young core while also looking to add a major name one year from now.

Nobody would be silly enough to suggest the Lakers are back, but each step seems one in the right direction.

 

Lakers Find Depth Beneath the Basket



The Lakers hit free agency with the understanding depth beneath the basket would be an issue, especially with the team not wanting to dish out top-tier cash to keep Jordan Hill around at his contract's asking price.

To help remedy the situation, the Lakers went with a cheaper option on the market with Brandon Bass, per Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports:



After a few different teams, Bass found a four-year role with the Boston Celtics and last year averaged 10.6 points and 4.9 boards in 23.5 minutes.

Now 30 years old, Bass is an excellent role player on a contender or rebuilder. For the Lakers, he's necessary depth in this way, but also in what he can do to help guide the future of the roster with young guys such as Julius Randle and rookie Larry Nance.

While not the most awe-inspiring add in this prestigious franchise's history, Bass is a necessary one, and one contenders would make without hesitation.

 

Depth in the Backcourt Also Addressed



The next two rumors go hand in hand.

At first glance, it's odd to think the Lakers would add another guard, not with the addition of D'Angelo Russell in the draft, the promising upside of Jordan Clarkson and the combo of Kobe Bryant and Nick Young.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers