As a Laker fan, the recently concluded series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks was a disgraceful catastrophe. The Mavericks completely dismantled the Lakers, exposing many weaknesses they need to address this off-season. However, some of the Laker flaws displayed in this series are going to be beyond the control of General Manager Mitch Kupchak. I’m speaking about the championship drive, respect for the team, and more importantly, respect for the game. The Lakers embarrassed all those associated with the prestigious franchise, and it was a shame to witness such a storied franchise like the Lakers suddenly implode.
Before I finish my thoughts on the Lakers I must give an extraordinary amount of credit to the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas came to play every night with a purpose. Forget their bombardment of 3 pointers, the “video-game- like” numbers from Dirk Nowitzki, and the instant spark from their bench, they simply outcompeted, outhustled, and outplayed the Lakers. On another note, after the conclusion of the series, Rick Carlisle was on record for saying Dirk Nowitzki is a top 10 NBA player of all time. This may be a stretch of the imagination, but Dirk, the best-kept secret in the NBA, made a strong argument for himself as the best offensive weapon in the game today. I know Dirk has always been regarded as a good player in the league, I just feel this series performance has moved him into the upper echelon of players with the likes of Kobe, Lebron, Rose, and Durant.
Now, back to the Lakers. Changes are inevitable and at this point, necessary. The first change that the Lakers are already most likely going to be faced with is the retirement of Phil Jackson. It is disappointing for me, and I’m sure many others, including Phil, to end such a triumphant career by getting swept in the 2nd round of the playoffs. The 11 NBA Championships, 71.7 winning percentage in the regular season, and 68.8 percent in the playoffs compile an impressive resume and career that will most likely never be paralleled. In addition to his impressive numbers, Phil has coached many of the game’s greatest players, not to mention winning 6 championships with arguably the greatest player of all time in Michael Jordan. Other players include Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. Jackson’s presence in the game of basketball will be missed and I wish the man nothing but good health and happiness in the next chapter of his life.
The first order of business the Lakers need to deal with is Dwight Howard. If the Lakers can get Dwight Howard for Andrew Bynum and an additional player or two like Steve Blake or Ron Artest, the Lakers would undoubtedly become the favorites out of the Western Conference. Dwight Howard would be the newest edition of Shaq, and more importantly, because of his size and athleticism in the paint, he will make the players around him that much better. Howard's strength and athleticism would compliment Pau Gasol’s finesse game beautifully, giving the Lakers a huge advantage in the front court as the best in the league. Also, the addition of Howard would potentially extend Kobe’s career because of the match-up problems Howard brings. Kobe will be able to save his legs and get easier looks at the basket, ultimately becoming more of a jump shooter rather than a driver and scorer. For his career Howard has averaged 18.2 PPG 12.9 RPG and 2.2 BPG. I think getting Howard to LA is priority number 1 for the Lakers if they want to remain championship contenders.
The second issue the Lakers need to address is their bench. The “Killer B’s,” well at least two of them, didn’t kill much of anything except for the Lakers’ hopes at a three-peat. Steve Blake was not the back up point guard or 3-point shooting threat the Lakers were hoping for. Matt Barnes battled injuries and never really seemed to mesh with this team. The last member of the “Killer B’s,” Shannon Brown becomes a free agent after this year and I think the Lakers need to try and re-sign him at a decent price. His athleticism and spark off the bench has left me, and I’m sure many others, asking why he doesn’t start over Derek Fisher. Brown's importance to the Lakers is undervalued and I know I want him in the purple and gold next year getting important minutes.
Additionally, the Lakers age, particularly at the point guard position with Derek Fisher has become a “growing” concern. Every team in the league knows the Lakers cannot stop quick, athletic guards on the perimeter, and much of that falls on Fisher. However, I think Fisher brings a lot of intangibles to the team and can impart wisdom on the younger players, while remaining one of the team's leaders. His new role as the back up point guard for the Lakers next season would be something Fisher would have to deal with, but I think he can still provide a good 15- 20 minutes off the bench and preserve himself in order to be an effective role player like he has always been.
Finding the right person to fill the starting point guard role for the Lakers will be difficult, but the first player that comes to mind is Brandon Jennings. Jennings is from Compton, CA and apparently wants out of Milwaukee. His 15.8 PPG and 5.3 APG are not stellar numbers, but he is young and on a less than average Bucks team. He is a quick, athletic, pass-first point guard that can shoot the 3 and drive to the rim if needed. His defense and strength could use some improvement, but he has the potential to develop, which is where Fisher could be a great mentor. Plus, Jennings is left-handed, like Fisher. Getting Jennings in a deal might be a stretch, but if the Lakers have an opportunity to give up some draft picks and some bench players, I think he could be a star in the making.
In regards to Lamar Odom, I still hold the opinion that he can score against anyone in the league. His game is so versatile that if the Lakers trade Lamar, which I hope does not happen, they better get a good amount in return. I think the Lakers need to keep Lamar at all costs and possibly insert him as the starting small forward.
Ron Artest, on the other hand, is wearing down and is not the player he used to be. Artest is normally very dependable on the defensive end, but struggled this year with his all around game. The only reason the Lakers should keep Artest is to guard players like Durant, James, and Pierce. His offensive game and thought process drives me insane at times. I can respect the intimidating defensive presence he can bring to a team, but this past season his defense wasn’t stellar enough to discount his offensive woes. Ultimately, I am still undecided on whether the Lakers should move Artest elsewhere, it would all depend on what the Lakers would get in return.
Lastly, free agency. The Lakers need to add a 3-point shooting threat at the small forward position. Jason Richardson, in my opinion would fit the mold perfectly even though he normally plays shooting guard. He is an experienced player who can score off the bench while stretching the floor with his ability to knock down the 3 ball. A player like Richardson could be very useful for the Lakers as he will mesh well with Fisher, Brown, and Odom off the bench. The Lakers will also need to look into adding a PF/C in off the bench to eat up some minutes and give the starters rest.
The Lakers have some work to do this off-season and with a disappointing 2nd round sweep by the Mavericks, I hope they come prepared to compete for a 17th NBA Championship.
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