Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
2016
1) Anthony Davis – The best player in the NBA. Davis dominates the game without even touching the ball. If there’s one player to rebuild the Lakers franchise around, it’s Davis. His only weakness is his reckless style of play, but that will diminish once he realizes his 85% effort is better than everyone else’s 100%.
2) Kevin Durant – The most dominant offensive player in the league. With a jump shot like guard and a body like a power forward, he’s impossible to stop on defense. He’ll be in the prime of his career in 2016 and L.A. is the perfect city for him to expand his brand/platform.
3) Damian Lillard – Currently the most clutch player in the NBA. The later it gets in a game, the more cold-blooded he becomes. His confidence level almost surpasses his skills and abilities. Lillard has shown he can co-exist with another superstar, yet still take over in crunch time.
Bonus: Hassan Whiteside/Mike Conley. Whiteside has already surpassed Linsanity in terms of results on the court. Miami will be hard pressed to pay him, so the Lakers should pursue him if they haven’t landed a dominant big man already. Conley is an underrated point guard on a very good team. He’s a solid floor general and comfortable with not being the “star” although he plays like one. He’s improved his game every year in the league.
That’s where we are Lakers fans. We’re peering towards the future, hoping the current season ends soon. The Lakers do have the cap space to attract big free agents, let’s just hope they have the right “pitchmen” in place to close to deal and return the Lakers to their rightful place in the NBA, champions.