The Lakers problems started in the off-season. While I like the Mike Brown, most questioned the fit and it became clear Kobe didn't like it. One thing I've learned about basketball is chemistry is important. The player mix with Mike Brown as coach clearly didn't work. Being located in California, they should have went after Arnold. "I'll be back" could have been his calling card for returning Kobe to glory.
I also took issue with the off-season moves. They remained old. There were not many big names available but Josh McRoberts? Really? An injured Greg Oden could have been more effective.
Of course they were trying to make a GREAT move by adding Chris Paul but the commish shut that down. That's when things went...weird... when they traded Lamar Odom for nothing. I've never known for a team getting better by giving away their third best player for a few more cups of coffee.
During the season trading a clutch shooter and leader like Fisher to get Sessions was awful. Sessions routinely disappeared and I thought it fitting that Fisher's new team knocked them out of the playoffs. Also, Sessions was so bad that Steve Blake had to play more when down the stretch.
Take last night's game... Kobe went off for 42 but they lose by 16. There isn't any support. Plus Kobe's getting old and they need a new horse to ride. (Speaking of Horse, check out America's Got Talent Auditions - guy named "Horse")
Here's what management should do this year: trade Bynum, Sessions, and Gasol for Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson. Dwight's a young big man that can be the new centerpiece for the team. Plus Howard needs out of Orlando like Charles Barkley needs a new golf swing. Anderson is hard nosed and can stretch the floor. With Dwight down low having a great shooting big will stretch the floor. This gives Kobe more space as well.
Second, get younger talent. With Kobe, Dwight, and Anderson you can compete for a title still this year...but you need to start rebuilding also. Using Artest...excuse me... World "Piece of Crap", you can trade him for some young blood. You can deal him to a team that needs another veteran (like the Nuggets) for someone like Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, or Corey Brewer.
The last thing you do is use free agency this year. One decision they need to make is do you acquire players that will only hope you win now (like Steve Nash) or guys that will help you win now and in the future (like Eric Gordon - restricted free agent). I would take the latter route and get young talent to help now and later (plus Now and Later's is one of the best candies).
Bottom line is that Laker's management sabotaged the season. If they wish to continue to compete and get Kobe his sixth ring, they need to do their jobs better.
Let me know what you think went wrong with the Lakers this year. And where should they go from here?
Andrew
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