Interesting options for the Los Angeles Lakers to consider in the offseason – NBA Feature
The Los Angeles Lakers got crashed out of the playoffs by losing 4-1 to the Oklahoma City Thunder making this a second season in row of without advancing past the second round of the playoffs. In the off season, leading up to next season, the current LA
roster will see a lot of changes with several players indicated to leave during the break.
In order for the Lakers to continue their dynasty of dominance in recent years, the management and General Manager Mitch Kupchak will be required to assess and evaluate their options properly. One thing the Lakers would want to improve during the break is
the bench scoring which was the main reason for a lacklustre campaign this year.
The worrying situation for the Lakers is that Pau Gasol is rumoured to be leaving after not both parties failing to get to an agreement. No official verdict has been given on the matter however the aura surrounding the situation clearly indicates that the
Spanish born player is going out of Hollywood.
Along with Gasol leaving the team, the Lakers also have to look into the contract of Ramon Sessions who was only acquired midway during the season via a trade involving the veteran point guard, Derek Fisher. Sessions was instrumental in bringing the much
require versatility to the Lakers offence and was a key component in the teams run to the playoff. He has a player option on his contract and given the mutual understanding he and the Lakers management has, he is most likely to stay with the team.
Another contract expiring player is Jordan Hill who has a team option and if the Lakers opt to stick with him next season, he can be a key figure coming off the bench. Hill was also traded to LA midway during the regular season. However the main situation
for the Lakers to consider during the break would be to bring in a type of player who can bring bench scoring to the team.
The best possible option for them would be to sign Ray Allen who is currently a starter with the Boston Celtics. The 37 year olds contract with the Boston team will expire on July 1st which will make him a free agent and it has been most likely
to no resign with the Celtics. Given the amount of talent and the shooting skills Allen possesses, makes him an intriguing option for several teams in the NBA.
Lakers would want to make the best of this opportunity to sign Allen which can bring the bench scoring and experience to the team. Another thing that Ray brings with him would be his ability to knock down crucial three pointers in clutch situations of important
games which seems to be lacking in the current LA unit.
He also brings spacing to the floor and with his off the ball movement can run around several picks to get spacing for an open shot as Allen is the league leader in three pointers made and is no doubt one of the best perimeter shooters around in the league
at the moment.
Other interesting options for the Lakers are to acquire back their best sixth man in recent years, Lamar Odom who probably had the worst season of his career while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Along with Odom other intriguing free agents prospects for
the Lakers to consider are Tracy McGrady of the Atlanta Hawks and Chauncey Billups of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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