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Kobe Bryant might be on his way out and the Los Angeles Lakers may still owe the ailing superstar $25 million, but the NBA Draft Lottery has brought “show-time” back to life. Add on a powerful free agency class and some financial flexibility, the Lakers are currently on cloud nine and Bryant feels 28 years old again.
The draft lottery was going according to the script until the New York Knicks were shocked and appalled with the fourth pick. Bad luck struck the blue and orange once again and you didn’t hear it from me, but Phil Jackson might use the pick in a trade now. At least you can never rule out the possibility. Anyway, the Lakers immediately moved up and color returned to Byron Scott’s face. Next thing you know, Los Angeles has the second overall pick.
We all know Bryant will make a return, but his condition and abilities are a big question mark. Then there are the rumors of either Kevin Love or Rajon Rondo heading to Hollywood. Well, those odds just got a whole lot better thanks to this draft pick and Karl Anthony-Towns or Jahlil Okafor. Both players have great potential and are exactly what the Lakers need.
If free agency goes according to plan and Bryant returns as even a shell of his former self, Los Angeles is looking at a playoff berth. There is plenty of cap space and there are plenty of free agents to put together a solid roster. This draft pick is a huge game changer in so many different ways. It makes the Lakers much more desirable and intriguing to free agents. I don’t want to jinx the “Black Mamba,” but it looks like he will end his career on a high note.
Shane Phillips is a Miami Heat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
