*FAN SUBMISSION by Joe Crevier of New Jersey. Follow him on Twitter @iHateDwight.*
What does the future of the Lakers hold?
Courtesy: CBS Sports
On the surface, the departure of Dwight Howard may make the Lakers’ future appear dismal. It may leave them with an old roster, without absolutely no depth whatsoever, but what is left is arguably one of the top five players ever in Kobe Bryant and still a very good Pau Gasol. Also, they still have a, slower, but still above average point guard Steve Nash.
To begin, I want to give you my opinion on how much of an indecisive baby Dwight Howard has made himself look. First, he says he wants to get out of Orlando, then he doesn’t, then he does. Then he waives his early termination option staying with Orlando through the final year of his contract. By that time Orlando had had enough and traded him to LA, giving up their so called franchise player to rebuild. Dwight was supposed to be the future of the greatest franchise in the NBA in the Los Angeles Lakers. Laker fans were split between the departure of big man Andrew Bynum, but knew this was a good but risky move.
Bringing Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard together to be one of the greatest powerhouses in the league. However things didn’t go as planned and injuries plagued the Lakers’ season, which began to look bright towards the end. But of course the Achilles injury took down Kobe and various injuries took out Steve Nash, Jodie Meeks, and Steve Blake. A much earlier exit than expected caused fans to dissatisfaction for the moment, but we all saw what this team could do when healthy.
Fans, including myself, were looking forward to next season to see how much damage this team could do. However, we will always be left wondering what could have been with Dwight bolting to the Houston Rockets. This obviously hurt next season’s chances and a possible run at the Western Conference. The Lakers didn’t only lose the best Center in the NBA but their future franchise player.
To me, Dwight has permanently damaged his reputation by being on three different teams in three years and his constant mind changing. No other superstar has switched teams as much, when they are supposed to be a leader and franchise player. These characteristics were no where to be seen when Dwight single-handedly ruined the Orlando Magic and now Los Angeles’ shot next year.
All of the negatives also come with more positives though. The Lakers should be aware they are no way contending next year, I mean it’s just not going to happen. They are old and have absolutely no bench. But the fact that they really have no chance, gives Kobe Bryant the ability to take his time with his Achilles and possibly even the opportunity to sit the whole season out.
Shockingly enough, the Lakers have a first round pick next year for the first time this century it feels like. With such a deep draft this pick becomes very valuable especially if they aren’t very good. Sitting Kobe out would only help the team by securing a top draft pick and also helps Kobe because he could be as healthy as possible the following season, maybe giving him another shot at a sixth title tying Michael Jordan.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated/CNN
The departure of Dwight also gives the Lakers no contracts on the books after next season besides Nash’s $9mil, giving them sufficient cap room in an outstanding free agency class (Lebron, Melo, Bosh, Wade, Cousins as a few examples). Kobe’s contract is up as well after next season and he has hinted at playing a few more years. The Lakers could bring him back for cheap, as I don’t see him being too greedy with his money, if it means they can sign any of those high caliber players. Also what many fans should be happy about Pau Gasol can be brought back after next season, as his contract is up as well. I know I love Pau and his work ethic as well as his dedication to the team. Potentially LA can be back on top after next season with a healthy Kobe Bryant, possibly a young star, and a proven superstar through free agency.
To me the outlook of the Lakers’ future is much brighter than it would be if Dwight and his goofy personality would have stayed.
GREAT article.
Kobe stated he would not take a significant pay cut. He told press he plans on “getting as much as he can”. So signing a superstar would be harder when your current superstar does not want a pay cut.It does appear though that the Lakers are clearing cap space with the amnesty of Metta World Peace.
While Melo and LeBron are free agents next year, you have to think they care a lot about their legacies.How it would impact their legacies playing for a 3rd team, under one of the biggest shadows in the NBA. I also think that the Lakers have cursed themselves with the hiring of Mike D’antoni.
Also,if Melo went to LA, Melo would be known for helping Kobe get his 6th ring before they mentioned Melo earning his first. Also Kobe is a scorer, I’m not sure how keen he would be on handing that off to Melo or LeBron. I also can not imagine a world where Kobe Bryant misses a whole season.
Kobe said he is going to try and get as much as he can. That doesn’t mean he will get a Max deal. I think he’ll get a 1 year $10-$15 million deal. I mean that’s way better than his $30 mil now. And also I don’t believe Lebron would leave and go to LA. I would be surprised if he declined his player option. I think if Lebron leaves the only other team he would leave for would be the Cavs. As for Melo I think there is a better chance he leaves and goes to LA. But like you said a 3rd team would tarnish his legacy much like I believe it hurt Dwight Howard’s.