Why L.A. Lakers Could Face Troublesome Future

As the Los Angeles Lakers finish off a season in which they've experienced more trials and tribulations than they have in years, fans should continue to expect more adversity as time goes on.

While the Buss family has always been able keep the Lakers relevant in the NBA, changes in the league's collective bargaining agreement and the current state of their contracts could handcuff the franchise moving forward.

With Jim and Jeanie Buss poised to usher in a new era for the Lakers, it has yet to be seen whether they can live up to their father's impressive track record. 

Although Jim Buss has been responsible for basketball decisions for a while now, he will now be tasked with leading this franchise forward without the guidance of his father, the late, great Jerry Buss. 

Not all of Jim Buss' decisions have been popular. However, the Buss family did construct a team that was heralded as a potential title contender entering the season.

This current incarnation of the Lakers was touted as a juggernaut that could challenge the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder for supremacy in the Western Conference. While they haven't met those hefty expectations, they've shown some flashes of greatness.

However, with an aging core and a temporary lease on Dwight Howard, given his one-year contract, the Lakers are going to have to go through a restructuring sooner rather than later.

The looming prospect of rebuilding a perennial playoff contender and the challenges of doing so while being handcuffed by monetary issues may result in a very troubling future for the Lakers. 

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