The Lakers were still the Lakers.
The team still had Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol, and in the days following Howard's departure, general manager Mitch Kupchak made some great moves by bringing in Chris Kaman, Nick Young, Jordan Farmar and Wesley Johnson.
ESPN analyst Skip Bayless insists that Los Angeles actually improved with Howard's departure, and although that is a very bold statement, the Lakers are going to be so much better next season than seemingly everyone expects.
Bryant’s doctor tweeted that the Black Mamba is on pace to be back by the season opener after tearing his Achilles last year. In 2014, he will look to build off of a career year in assists (his six dimes per game was the highest since 2004-05) and the third-highest scoring average in the NBA (27.3).
The loss of Howard really hurts, but the Lakers added some solid pieces to play alongside Bryant and Gasol.
Though they may have improved in recent weeks, the Lakers are far from being complete.
There is still a ton of time left in 2013’s wild offseason, and the Lakers will undoubtedly use that span to get as good as they can be when the 2014 season tips off.
Here are some other players that L.A. should consider pursuing in order to bolster its roster.
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Chris Douglas-Roberts was cut by the Lakers in the 2013 preseason, but his ability to play either the 2-guard or small forward spot, his four years of NBA (as well as overseas) experience and his proficiency on the offensive end should earn him a contract with the Lakers.
Last season, Douglas-Roberts played in only six games with the Dallas Mavericks and contributed around two points per game. However, over the...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
