Lakers planning to tank 2014-15 season?
By Jacob Rude
Last season, in terms of wins and losses and win percentage, was the worst season the Lakers have had since moving to LA. With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash out the majority of the season and every other Laker missing at least a handful of games, nothing went right en route to a 27-55 final record.
However, it may get worse.
In the gift that keeps on giving, the trade that brought Steve Nash (and his enormous contract) to LA also saw the Lakers send out multiple draft picks. Next season, the Lakers owe their first round draft pick to the Phoenix Suns UNLESS it’s a top five pick, which then the Lakers would retain.
Given the “luck of the draw” aspect of the NBA Draft Lottery, unless the Lakers finished with one of the two worst records in the league, they aren’t guaranteed to hold onto the pick. However, according to sources, the Lakers may still be focused on tanking the season and holding onto the pick.
Source strongly suggested a few days ago that LAL planned to tank, to avoid sending pick to Phx. Not sure if Boozer claim proves/disproves
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) July 17, 2014
Regarding that Lakers pick: 2015 1st-rounder goes to PHX unless it falls in top 5. Source indicated Lakers were determined to keep it.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) July 17, 2014
This news broke at the same time as the news of the Lakers claiming Carlos Boozer off waivers did, which brought into question whether the Lakers were actually focused on tanking. As is, the team’s starting lineup will like feature Kobe Bryant, Jeremy Lin, and Carlos Boozer, with rookies Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson and returnees Nick Young and Jordan Hill mixed in.
Certainly not one of the two worst teams in the league.
Do you think the Lakers should tank next season? Tell us down below!