The most storied franchise in NBA history Los Angeles Lakers will finish the season lottery bound and a void of a playoff appearance for the 4th consecutive season.
16 world championships hang in the rafters in the Staples Center, 2nd most to the Boston Celtics. At least four of the top 15 greatest players of all-time all wore purple and gold and won championships. Legends from Wilt Chamberlin, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem, Kobe Bryant, to Pau Gasol, all are apart of Lakers history.
This is the worst era in Lakers history as each of the past two seasons the Lakers have set records for losses in a season with 17-65 and 21-61. The Lakers have had a history of quickly bouncing back into title contention, but this process might take a bit longer.
After a 20 year career and five championships with the Lakers perhaps the greatest Laker of all-time Kobe Bryant has retired and now the franchise is in search of its’ next guy.
Deangelo Russell, a second year point guard out of Ohio State has had his moments but does not look like he’ll be in a Lakers uniform as part of the future. He’s been relatively average for a number two overall draft pick and has been involved in off court lockeroom drama with teammates.
Brandon Igram, the rookie guard/forward has shown progress but is near bust contention. He’s averaging 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game but the Lakers expected far more. Maybe you can blame the front office for signing Luol Deng and keeping Nick Young.
Magic Johnson is the President of Basketball Operations and knows that his job won’t be easy. The entire roster has reshaping up to do. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson are still there and productive so only time will time.
This upcoming draft is deep with talent, so as every year. Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Markelle Fultz, and Dennis Smith Jr. are the top prospects.
The Lakers best chance to gamble on the right guy is to lose for the rest of the season.
