What next for the Los Angeles Lakers? NBA Special Report
After two consecutive National Basketball Association (NBA) championship titles to their name, the Los Angeles Lakers have not been able to take on the Dallas Mavericks this postseason. They lost four consecutive games to the 2011
NBA champions in their second round, putting an end to their long-expected run. The 2010 NBA defending champions were to do much more than this. They seriously need to make changes – let change be either in the team attitude or the team line-up – prominent
changes are definitely required.
The Lakers team management surely was disappointed this season. Mitch Kupchak had seen this team forming the next big 'Lakers dynasty' in the NBA. What a setback, though.
Many believed the once unbeatable Kobe Bryant-Pau Gasol-Andrew Bynum pack is a rare combination and will take the Lakers much further in times to come. This was only until ‘The Decision’, in summer of 2010, was announced. The Bryant-Gasol-Bynum
triangle was challenged. LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh were united under the banner of Miami Heat.
That can, however, hardly be the reason for the Lakers failing to produce any commendable results this season. The Lakers, fortunate for them, never faced the Miami Heat’s heat. They were simply squashed by the single All-Star
(Dirk Nowitzki) led Dallas Mavericks. What chance did they stand against the triple-led All-Star team? Barely any chances.
What the Lakers actually need is young, energetic talent. Nearly half the team is in the business for over ten-years. Only four players out of the 15 men squad have a pro-career of less than 5-years. Agreed, teams need senior players
and their experience but teams also need youth with strong attack and quick-reflexes on the bench. For example Kevin Love is a good trade-in in place of Andrew Bynum. The Bynum-Gasol chemistry does not seem to be working lately anyways. Gasol would be simply
foolish to lose though. Lakers could do great with Love in place of Bynum.
The next season does not seem to be getting any better without some major changes. If not the line-up, the team might as well change its strategy. For one, the triangle offence is wearing off. Lakers need to stop with their orthodox
methods and bring up new ideas, new formations and new techniques.
Above all, the Lakers need to define their stance regarding what sort of team they are: the aggressive and over bearing defensive team or the attenuate, eminent and phenomenal offensive team. The Lakers truly need to define themselves.
Facing the emerging Oakland City Thunders and the champions, Dallas Maverick, will not be a piece of cake for the Lakers. The Lakers definitely need a way to by-pass these two threats to reach The Finals next season. The Lakers
must acquire new talent. Mitch Kupchak must make another decisive trade, just like the one two years back with the two-time NBA Champion, Pau Gasol.
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