The Los Angeles Lakers must alter their philosophy for winning titles after yet another free-agency debacle.
The Lakers are coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in NBA history, possessing a starting lineup laced with Hall of Famers and finishing the regular season at 45-37. Not only did they struggle to maintain a record above .500, but they also were eventually swept out of the first round.
In turn, they established a reputation as one of the biggest busts in league history.
With Howard's departure, the Lakers are again stuck in a state of disarray, with an abundance of stars and an absence of promise. This is a situation reserved solely for the Lakers, who have mountains of expectations that few teams can compare to.
If this failed experiment has taught us anything, it's that L.A. needs to build their contender in a different way.
Using the Draft
Free agency will remain a prominent aspect of the Lakers' strategy—and rightfully so. If there's any way to find a reliable source of production, it's by signing a player who has proven capable of handling the NBA grind.
With that being said, the Lakers have one glaring void on their roster—they lack youth to develop and the athleticism to build their defense with.
Howard would have helped in both regards, but D-12 would have been the only player under the age of 32. Currently, that player is 25-year-old Jordan Hill, who has displayed the potential to be a double-double type of player.
Unfortunately, they don't have much else to hang their hat on&...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
