In and of itself, the four-game sweep officially bedded a year in which expectations and optimism were replaced by devastating injuries and subsequent lackluster performances.
But just how far-reaching will the effects of that 21-point loss be?
Plagued by financial woes perhaps best captured in a potential $80 million-plus tax penalty (via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times) the future of the franchise is as murky as those of the most prominent faces.
Dwight Howard's decision in free agency is anything but a foregone conclusion at this point (via Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports). The 34-year-old Kobe Bryant faces a long road to recovery from a torn Achilles. Pau Gasol has spent the better part of the past two seasons floating in and out of the trade market.
Sans crystal ball, there is no telling exactly what the 2013-14 Lakers team will look, or perform, like.
But there are at least some early indications as to what will take place in La La Land over the coming months.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
