Lakers 2017 Offseason
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen better days finishing their last four seasons with a record of 96 wins and 237 losses. Lakers fans began to lose interest and moved on to teams like the Los Angeles Clippers or the Golden State Warriors who played exceptionally well when things went south. The Lakers have a lot of work to do to bring back another dynasty and it all starts with this years offseason.
While true fans have endured the losses throughout the last four years many are hopeful that a new day has come for the organization with the addition of new President of Operations, Magic Johnson and new General Manager Rob Pelinka. Fan favorite Luke Walton was also signed to a multi-year deal at the beginning of last year after a successful run with the Golden State Warriors. Many fans were excited to see a young coach take on the team but many were also skeptical.
These moves were all done before this offseason and are key pieces into bringing back the Showtime Lakers and moving forward to this offseason.
DRAFT LOTTERY
A lot is riding on the whether or not the Lakers get a top three pick in the NBA draft this year. Without a top three pick the Lakers would lose their pick entirely and their 2019 pick. Currently the Lakers have a 46.9 percent chance of keeping their pick. While there is a lot of talent in the years draft the reason why it is so important to keep it is because it is an asset that can be very valuable. The Lakers can decide to draft a top three player or use the pick in a trade to land them a superstar player. While there are benefits to both sides, fans are conflicted on which choice is right one to make.
If the lottery does not go the Lakers way, the Lakers may look into a different direction by trading some of their young core to obtain a proven star. Once the draft is over the Lakers must move forward to free agency, an integral part of rebuilding the team.
Free Agency
The story of last year was that former President of Operations Jim Buss and former General Manager Mitch Kupchak had signed Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov to multi-year contracts with an exceptionally high amount of money. Many fans were shocked due to the fact that both were heading up in age and were declining in their careers. Throughout the season things looked much worse as both were playing poorly and by the end of the season were not playing at all. Fans were disappointed and it was widely believed that this was the reason why both had lost their jobs in the middle of the season.
Because both players have taken a lot of the cap space it is much harder for the Lakers to sign max contract superstars.
While it might seem impossible Magic and Pelinka should try any possible way trade one or both to create some breathing room for the Lakers offseason and the upcoming years.
Signing a superstar is what the Lakers should be aiming for this season whether it comes from a trade or free agency.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The Lakers have young talent on their roster and it is apparent as ever. The young core consists of D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Julius Randle. Other key players include Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac, and Larry Nance Jr. These players are young and most have not played three seasons yet. Their have been signs of greatness but many signs of inexperience.
None of these players are untouchable and many have been rumored to be traded to get an elite player. Even if everything goes wrong this offseason the Lakers still have this young core to build around. Having a bad offseason is not the end of the world for many fans.
The young core still has time to develop and become the team that all fans want them to be.
Conclusion
The Lakers have a big offseason ahead of them but it is not the end of the world if things do not go their way. Fans are still hopeful that with new management and leadership things will go back to the way that they are used to. It is a long journey ahead but it will only make victory much sweeter.
