Los Angeles Lakers: The Offseason Uncertainty Looms Large

It’s a weird time here in Los Angeles to be a basketball fan. Both local teams' seasons have drawn to a close. Moreover, both are in a state of turmoil.

The Los Angeles Clippers, perhaps the most relevant basketball-wise that they have been in years, have been completely overshadowed by the Donald Sterling-versus-the-NBA drama. (And let me pause here to note: I am NO relation.) 

Who knows how that is going to play out? Hopefully, the basketball side of the organization can have a restful summer, recharge and get ready under the radar while Sterling versus Silver continues to make headlines. They’ve got a solid team, a solid coach and every reason to look forward to next season in spite of the awful situation with ownership.

The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, are at a crossroads and face a daunting series of unanswerable questions. 

For instance, Kobe Bryant is coming back. Will Kobe be Kobe? (My answer: yes.) Who is the starting point guard for this team? (Steve Nash is unreliable in terms of health at this stage in his career. It should be Jordan Farmar.) Who will protect the rim?  (I have no idea, but they need to figure that out.)  What to do with the No. 7 draft pick? (I leave this in your hands, Mitch Kupchak.) Whither Kevin Love? 



And perhaps the biggest question of all: Who is going to coach this team? This is a crucial test for head of basketball operations Jim Buss. The Lakers cannot go 0-for-3 on his watch with bad coaching choices. They cannot strike out.

My preference would be Byron Scott. I think his past association with the Lakers makes him a good fit. He knows the Lakers' history and expectations. He’s been a head coach in the league. And, oh yeah, he can co-exist with Kobe Bryant. That’s pretty important. 

Don’t believe all these declarations from the front office that Kobe will have no say in w...

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