Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Most important questions in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Magic Johnson speaks at Kobe Bryant's jersey retirement ceremony during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Magic Johnson speaks at Kobe Bryant's jersey retirement ceremony during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives on Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Who will be the starting center next season?  Multiple options include:

-Re-signing either Brook Lopez or Andrew Bogut. Each would maintain a veteran defensive presence in the middle. Lopez is still an offensive threat at age 29. He is in the final year of a large contract, and it is not publicly known what his salary demands will be.

-Promoting one of the two youngsters, Ivica Zubac or Thomas Bryant. Neither has played more than a few minutes yet this season. But each is likely to be given some significant court time down the stretch in what will amount to an audition for the future.

-Playing small-ball the entire game with players like Randle and Larry Nance Jr at the 5. Each is 6-9, and often use their energy and hustle to offset their height discrepancy against first-rate 7-foot opponents. The question is, would this approach work all game long?

-Pursuing a free agent star like DeMarcus Cousins. Boogie is perhaps the most abundantly talented big in the NBA. Because of the Lakers need at this position, he might be their #1 target. But he has a history of attitude problems, and he can be lazy on defense. How certain can the front office be that he would he fit well with returning players?

-Signing a less expensive veteran free agent. There are always several big bodies available with various strengths and weaknesses.