Players Who LA Lakers Most Need to Step Up Next Season

Although the immediate future looks barren for the Los Angeles Lakers, there is still some potential for competitiveness within the roster.

Maximizing talent and establishing roles is crucial for the Lakers to have any sort of success next season without Dwight Howard manning the middle.

Objectively, the most prudent course the Lakers need to take long-term is to tank this season, garner a high draft pick and re-establish themselves via the draft and free agency following next season. However, any team with an assassin like Kobe Bryant couldn't hope to tank a season no matter how deficient the talent.

To try and compete up to the Black Mamba's expectations, there are few players on the roster who are going to have to step up and play a bigger role than is expected of them. 

Begin Slideshow

...

About the Author