And, with the exception of Kobe Bryant, none of them have it yet, just three games into a new season. Some may stick around past this season, but there certainly is a group more likely to get traded before the year is up.
Grabbing an opportunity to remain relevant and possibly thrive in the NBA, a host of young (and not so young) talent signed one- and two-year deals for little money and lots of expectations. Now it will be up to them to make the most of that opportunity.
A host of players, including Nick Young, Jordan Farmar, Elias Harris, Xavier Henry, Wesley Johnson, Jodie Meeks and Shawne Williams all could be trade bait come midseason; especially if their respective games blossom in the Mike D'Antoni "seven-seconds-or-less", shoot-at-all-costs system.
D'Antoni has a reputation for bringing in unknowns with talent and helping them inflate their previously unimpressive numbers. Earl Clark is a prime example, and look what his up-tempo, high-energy play brought him: a nice two-year, $9 million free agent contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There is no doubt it will happen again in L.A. for a few of these players, and the end result may be an extension contract or a trade to another team in need of instant energy and scoring. In return, the Lakers would like to stockpile a few more draft picks in what is expected to be a decent draft in 2014.
If the Lakers are intent on keeping Bryant on the roster for another 2-3 years, then the thought of trading away Pau Gasol is probably a pipe dream.
A strong season in which he averages 18 or more points and 10-plus rebounds will certainly increase his trade value, and a contender might be willing to pick up his current $19 million contract if he's shipped midseason.
But I wouldn't expect it t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
