With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it is necessary to begin evaluating the Lakers’ areas of need
At 8-31, with each passing game it seems that there is something left to be desired at nearly every position for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Drafting D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle was a good effort at filling their holes at point guard, shooting guard and power forward, but these players need time to grow into their big boy clothes before making any waves in this league.
Head coach, Byron Scott, has just seemingly gotten the memo that playing young players and their development are directly correlated, so it is only a matter of time before fans witness these young Lakers true potential. That said, there is still need for a safety net when it comes to these players, one that won’t necessarily be needed in years to come.
Looking at the Lakers current roster, there are many glaring holes, soft spots that teams constantly pick on when facing the Purple and Gold. With that in mind, the Lakers top three positions of need heading into February’s rapidly approaching trade deadline are the small forward, center and shooting guard spots.
Next: Lack of Small Forward Still An Issue
Small Forward
If you take a snapshot of the entire league, one of the differences between good teams and truly elite teams is the presence of a dominant small forward. Though the 3-and-D small forward has gained steam in recent years, the three position is truly where specialists thrive. This is to say, if you can’t do both, you better do one thing extremely well. For example, Tony Allen struggles with his shooting but makes up for it with his defensive prowess. Vice versa, with shooters like Steve Novak.
In a league once dominated by shooting guards, the NBA has been overrun with point guards, and now small forwards thirsty for the throne. From Jimmy Butler to Kawhi Leonard, if you don’t have a small forward who can compete on a nightly basis, good luck.
Interestingly enough, despite housing some of the best talent ever to play the game of basketball, the Lakers have been surprisingly thin at the small forward position, in relation to their dominance at other positions. Aside from Jamaal Wilkes, Elgin Baylor and James Worthy, historically the Lakers’ superstars bloom elsewhere.
The Lakers let one get away with Trevor Ariza, opting instead to go with the veteran presence, Ron Artest, a precedence which should make their current front office decisions that much more predictable. That said, the Lakers will have their fill of options to choose from this trade deadline and offseason with players like Nicolas Batum, Kevin Durant and Brandon Ingram all fitting the mold.
While Anthony Brown’s size, athleticism and shooting ability give him the potential to be the Lakers starting small forward of the future, just like the three headed beast of Russell-Clarkson-Randle he needs time to grow.
Next: Filling the Shaq Sized Center Hole
Center
Since his departure, there has been a Shaquille O’Neal sized hole in the Lakers lineup that the likes of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol or even Dwight Howard never had a shot at filling. The Lakers current conundrum at the center position is just that, a conundrum. When you add Byron Scott’s coaching to the mix, it becomes even more of a mystery.
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This offseason the Lakers went out and snagged two free agents who they thought would ease this pain in Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass, but they have left much to be desired, especially when you consider the amount of prominence the Lakers have showcased at the five spot.
Strangely enough, the Lakers seem to have the small ball center of the future in Tarik Black, but inexplicably continue to mismanage his minutes.
In regards to the deadline, similar to the Kobe situation, the Lakers best plan of action is to utilize addition by subtraction, attempting to rid themselves of Roy Hibbert in hopes of getting any draft asset back. This will not only bring in a pick, and probably an expiring contract, but it will clear the path for much needed Tarik Black minutes.
Further, though the Lakers one true prize this offseason will be Kevin Durant, the piece they can’t afford to strike out on again is Hassan Whiteside. A lineup of Russell-Clarkson-Brown-Nance Jr-Whiteside is intimidating by any standards. Whiteside might not be the dominant center the Lakers are used to having, but he could be the center of the future that they need.
Next: Addition by Subtraction
Shooting Guard
With the Black Mamba’s departure, while sad to say, the Lakers will benefit from addition by subtraction. That said, when the stage lights finally go black for Kobe Bryant, another will begin to shine on the trio of D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle.
Though Kobe was dominant, seemingly invincible in his prime, once his Achilles gave he was never the same. Like his letter said, though his mind was always there, it was his body that ultimately failed him. Going hand in hand, since the 2013 season, the Lakers have failed to appear in the playoffs, reaffirming the growing debate that star players hardly make noise after age 33.
The Lakers are a win now organization, so don’t be surprised when they once again salvage their future for a shot at replacing Kobe Bryant as soon as humanly possible. To this point, rumors of the Lakers’ interest in Toronto Raptors’ shooting guard, Demar DeRozan, have already surfaced, though it’s readily apparent that he’s not the rightful heir to the throne.
Instead the Lakers would be wise to move on from their past and experiment with the dominance by committee approach with Russell-Clarkson-Randle at the forefront of the attack. This means that instead of going after a big name free agent or trading for one, the Lakers should instead target a specialist, preferably a shooter, to help spread the floor.
Next: Time for Anthony Brown to Step His Game Up
What players do you think the Lakers should be targeting at this deadline? Let us know in the comments below!