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Los Angeles Lakers (17-65)
*Photo via GQ
Recap:
For the first time since the 1995-96 season the Lakers will have a roster that doesn’t include Kobe Bryant. As great of a career as he has had this is a really good thing for the rebuilding Lakers. Kobe has done so much for this franchise, but the past few seasons he has been a burden with his constant injuries, high salary, and by preventing young players from developing. It could even be argued that he scared off potential free agents. With Kobe moving on, the Lakers can finally move forward and go into a full rebuilding mode. The only problem is the Philadelphia 76ers own the Lakers unprotected 2017 1st round pick. So unlike this season, the Lakers will not be rewarded with a young talent like Brandon Ingram if they once again finish with a poor record.
Free Agents:
Restricted
Jordan Clarkson
Unrestricted
Brandon Bass
Roy Hibbert
Who Leaves,Who Stays:
*Photo via NBA.com
I would be shocked to see either of Hibbert or Bass back in purple in gold at the start of next season. The big free agent for the Lakers is Jordan Clarkson. After two seasons Clarkson has already proven to be one of the biggest steals of the 2014 NBA draft. The Lakers will have the most cap space in the league with nearly $70 million to spend. With their incredible amount of cap space the Lakers should resign Clarkson no matter the price, especially when you consider how weak the free agency market is for point guards. Don’t be surprised if Clarkson ends up signing a contract for $15+ Million per year.
Team Needs:
A third big man to go along with Larry Nance Jr. and Julius Randle
A point guard to either backup or replace Jordan Clarkson
Veteran Leadership
Possible Targets:
*Photo viaBasketball picker
Ramon Sessions
DeMar DeRozan
Rajon Rondo
Hassan Whiteside
Ish Smith
Brandon Jennings
Andrew Nicholson
Nicolas Batum
Greivis Vasquiez
Miles Plumlee
Mike Conley
Solomon Hill
David Lee
Timofey Mozgov