Expect some changes.
They already had a good start to the offseason by adding Julius Randle in the 2014 NBA draft, but that won't be the only addition made. The Lakers will definitely be players in free agency and the trade market.
We've already been given a bit of information as to what this team might look like in 2014-15. Kobe Bryant will, of course, be back, but what about a couple other players who have made news in the past few days?
Read more below to find out.
Kobe Bryant
The Black Mamba played just six games last season, averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per game. A torn Achilles and fractured knee in his left leg kept him on the sidelines for basically the entire year, and his absence was a big part of the problem.
General manager Mitch Kupchak says that Bryant is now fine, however, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com:
"Kobe is fine. Obviously, he has to prove that. But he's been in here working out, and you wouldn't know [he was hurt]. He looks great. He has to perform at a level next year to prove that, but he looks great."
The face of the purple and gold is currently vacationing in Greece, so his current focus is not on the court. That said, Lakers fans can rest assured that Bryant will be ready and focused for training camp when it comes time.
Aside from being a main contributor next season, Bryant will serve an important role in the future of the franchise. Randle is going to rely on Bryant for guidance and knowledge, as Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders tweeted:
Bryant is the face of this franchise, and having him on the court next season is going to work won...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
