5. Striking Out
Nov 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Xavier Henry (7) dunks the ball against New Orleans Pelicans center Jeff Withey (5) at Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 116-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
PG – Jordan Farmar
SG – Kobe Bryant
SF – Nick Young
PF – Pau Gasol
C – Jordan Hill
Bench: Xavier Henry, Wes Johnson
There’s a reasonable possibility that the Lakers could completely strike out this summer. If they do, it could be another long year for Lakers Nation. 2015 is a summer of some big name free agents, but are the fans prepared to suffer through another mediocre season? What if the Lakers missed on everyone they sought after this summer? What if they finish with the 9th best record in the West, securing a mid-first round pick for a player that won’t change a franchise.
In that case, the Lakers are going to set themselves up for the following summer again, when the likes of Kevin Love and Marc Gasol. Even then, it’s a matter of suffering through another year of mediocrity. And that won’t fly in Lakers Nation.