In the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers meant tradition, excellence, championships, and legacies. The “Lake Show” was always a star-studded event, a stadium filled with fans and celebrities. From Jerry West to Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have had some of the best players in the history of the NBA wearing the iconic purple and gold. When Dr. Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979, I can promise he wouldn’t have ever thought the Los Angeles Lakers would be the laughing stock of the NBA. After a 21-61 record last season, many Laker fans had to ask themselves: Is this a franchise destined for hard times even after Kobe Bryant retires? Normally, a rebuilding process and a couple free agent pick-ups could easily put the Lakers back in contention within a few seasons. But, that’s not happening. Losing out on free agency and then scrambling to trade for Roy Hibbert is starting to become the norm in LA. Roy Hibbert, Brandon Bass, and Lou Williams are decent players, but will they bring LA to the finals or even a playoff spot? It’s doubtful due to a stacked Western Conference, and the fact that they just don’t have the bench capable of competing for a playoff spot.
Who’s at fault? Where do Laker fans place the blame? Every Laker fan in the city of LA and nation-wide should be looking at Jim Buss. Jim Buss has mishandled this franchise since the death of Dr. Jerry Buss in 2013. From hiring Mike D’Antoni, to paying Kobe Bryant $48 million for two seasons, Jim Buss has taken the Lakers from an elite team to the “kiddie table” in just five years. But where’s the outrage? Most Laker fans blame David Stern for vetoing the trade with Chris Paul. You would have lost Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom (before the Kardashians got him) for Chris Paul who strangely enough seems to be incapable of getting to the western conference finals.
On draft night, Knick fans booed Phil Jackson over Kristaps Porzingis, who has performed very well in the summer league. Luckily the Lakers drafted smart and selected D’Angelo Russell. Russell is going to be a great point guard. The point guard position has been the Lakers weakest link since abandoning the triangle offense. Managing Kobe Bryant’s minutes and position has also been an issue. There has been talk of head coach Byron Scott moving Kobe to the small forward position. This could be a great way to preserve Kobe’s legs and adjusting his role from the number one scoring option. The Lakers have started to rebuild and put together some pieces with Kobe Bryant. If the Lakers can make some noise and perhaps contend for a playoff spot, there’s a chance of them being able to lure a free agent back to LA next season.
