Rebuilding the Lakers in 2014

Jun 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with the Bill Russell mvp trophy after winning the NBA championship in game five of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

With Dwight Howard taking a breath of fresh air before making his ‘decision’ and Kobe Bryant climbing an uphill battle against an Achilles injury, there’s no telling if either of them will be suiting up for the Lakers in 2014.

What we do know, however, is that Steve Nash is currently the only contract on the books for the Lakers in 2014.

With that, I’d like to take a look at a few of the biggest names on the market in 2014 which the Lakers could potentially pursue. Never to early too start looking ahead, right?

Lebron James

So it’s far-fetched, but the best basketball player in the world will be hitting the market in 2014. For whatever reason, there’s mumblings around the web that he’ll reunite with the Cavaliers – which I’m not seeing the validity in myself. Adrian Wojnarowski doesn’t either.

Be that as it may, James could either be in the midst of a dynasty with the Heat in 2014, or on a team losing steam with the inevitable decline of Dwyane Wade. Should it be the latter, we could see the big three in Miami go their separate ways.

Carmelo Anthony

We’re dealing with a double-edged sword here. Melo is a supreme talent and an elite scorer in the league, no one can deny that. But on that same token, there are serious questions surrounding his ability to lead a team to a title.

Even so, LA would probably be in a better position to surround him with talent – mostly because their pockets have no conscience.

Rudy Gay

Gay will be 28, entering his prime and ready to get the hell out of Toronto in 2014. No offense, Toronto.

While Gay has never shed his label as a borderline star, he’s the type of player that could settle into a Robin role – with some Batman upside. The Grizzlies ascent to the Western Conference Finals in his departure is a little concerning though.

DeMarcus Cousins (restricted)

We’ll toss in a few restricted free agent because the Lakers are never afraid to overspend for mediocre talent.

Alright, so you can overlook the ‘mediocre talent’ bit with this guy, his ceiling is one of the highest you’re likely to come across. On the other hand, he’s kind of a head case. It’ll be interesting to see how that crazy/upside scale grades out in a couple of years.

Eric Bledsoe (restricted)

With Chris Paul in town, Bledsoe is second fiddle and only biding his time till he can get out of a Clippers uniform. And while it’s likely the Clips will try to move him before he skips town, we can only hope that he finds his way to the Lakers. Mark my words, this kid will be elite.

Honorable mentions: Evan Turner (restricted), Kyle Lowry, Danny Granger, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh

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