Feb 25, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) reacts to dunking the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion
Building a contender requires both star power and role players. That shouldn’t be breaking news to anyone. The issue teams (in the case, the Lakers) run into all too often is to completely dismiss the importance of keeping the future in mind. You saw that stretch from 2007 to 2013. THE LAKERS HAD ZERO FIRST ROUNDERS OF THEIR OWN FOR HALF A DECADE.
Now, is that the price of those five titles? If so, fans and the front office must ask themselves, were the last two seasons worth it?