Los Angeles Lakers need to cover their bases – NBA Feature Part-1
The Los Angeles Lakers has a forgettable end to the 2010-11 season. Not only were the two times defending champions swept out of the three peat contention by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals, the rout also
brought to an undeserving end to the illustrious career of the Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson.
While the abrupt end to the Lakers campaign highlighted many issues ranging from the team chemistry to the trust level, it also highlighted the fact that the Lakers needed a reliable point guard. Many L.A followers believe that
in order to reach the 2011-12 National Basketball Association Finals, the Lakers should sort the point guard issue on permanent basis.
Derek Fisher has lost the spark there is no doubt that. He was frequently butchered by the likes of an older Jason Kidd and a more energetic Jose Juan Barea in the series. This happened under the triangle offense system, under
which the point guard has less responsibilities. Now, with the triangle offense bidding adieu under the new head coach Mike Brown, the point guard position will become even more critical and to counter stronger teams in the years to come, the Lakers need to
cover that base.
They can do it, by acquiring the very man who tormented them in the semifinal series – Jose Juan Barea. He is young and is looking for a championship contender, if in case the Mavs don’t raise his earnings. Then they have the option
of Grant Hill, a veteran, who has the desire to win the championship and finish his career on a high.
Then there are the issues with Andrew Bynum. Apparently, the not so elite centre wants a larger share in the offensive scheme of things. With Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol around, the demand although appreciative of his urge to excel,
seem rather out of place. Kobe has not been Bynum’s ally for quite some time and there have been reports that he wants the Lakers big man to give way for a better option. May be Dwight Howard.
Earlier reports came in that the Lakers are eyeing the Orlando Magic centre. If that happens, the Lakers will form a nucleus of stars so strong that even the likes of Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder might struggle to keep
the purple and gold under the cosh in the years to come.
The Lakers are among the top eight franchises in NBA that had earned good proceeds over the years and are no short of resources. So, it wouldn’t be a problem for L.A to acquire both a young skilful guard and Howard. However, even
these two deals don’t guarantee that the Lakers would be able to reach the NBA Finals next season.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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