Once again the Los Angeles Lakers have lost on an opportunity to add some much needed fire power to the roster. Then again, with J.R. Smith likely headed to New York the Lake Show might have also been saved from some unnecessary drama.
While Smith would have given the Lakers a hot hand of the bench he also gives Mike Brown a hot head to contend with. Given the fact that the Lakers have been considering both Gilbert Arenas and J.R. Smith in the same week says a lot about what the front office truly feels of this current collection of talent.
As Coach Brown continues to put a positive spin on his players there is no doubt change is coming. From the news of Smith to the rumors of Pau Gasol being shipped off to Minnesota, this Laker squad is in flux.
What is truly troubling is the continued road blocks Mitch Kupchak is encountering in his attempts to upgrade. We already know about the Chris Paul ordeal. Smith’s decision to go for the more coin and possibly more fun in NYC indicates where his priorities are placed. It also indicates the Lakers just aren’t in as good a position in the NBA hierarchy any longer.
No matter how you slice it the situation in L.A. is slowly simmering to a boil. Just how much eventually boils over will be determined by the front office.