The 2013-14 season hasn’t been the bounce-back year the Los Angeles Lakers were hoping for, but they have a chance to make a move in the right direction at the NBA trade deadline.
The question, of course, is: What do the Lakers hope to accomplish? The strategy will change depending on whether they want to be competitive or tank begin building toward the future, and getting everyone on the same page is an important first step.
Opinions may differ within the organization, but everyone has the team’s best interest in mind. It’s impossible to make everyone happy—fans included—but at this point, the only direction is up for this struggling franchise.
Objective
As much as the Lakers may not want to admit it, this has been a lost year. Expectations were low leaguewide entering the season, but the hype surrounding Kobe Bryant’s return sparked a sense of optimism following a disappointing 2012-13 campaign.
Through 53 games, the team is just 18-35. It’s tied for last out West with the Sacramento Kings, and if we’re being honest, L.A. is a strong candidate to finish 15th in the conference if current trends continue.
At this point, the Lakers are fighting for a spot in the lottery—not a spot in the playoffs. This team needs to forget about winning games and focus on the best moves for the long-term future.
Assets
The only players on the Lakers’ roster who don’t have expiring contracts (not including player or team options) are Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre. Nick Young has a player option, Kendall Marshall has a team option and everyone else is on a true expiring contract.
With the rest of the year being essentially worthless, virtually everyone on the roster is expendable, with Bryant being the only exception.
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers’ 2014 NBA Trade Deadline Strategy Blueprint
Published: February 15, 2014Posted in: LA Lakers
