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NBA • 10 months ago

Fixing the Los Angeles Lakers This Offseason in 5 Easy Steps

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Richard Mackson - USA TODAY Sports

Fixing the Los Angeles Lakers This Offseason in 5 Easy Steps

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers have a high draft pick and enough cap space to sign a star, they are still likely a couple years away from contending again. They need to be smart this offseason and spend their money wisely, not just throwing it at the first star who appears interested. Here are five ways to fix the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason so that they have hope for the future.

5. Stay Smart With Second Pick

5. Stay Smart With Second Pick

The Lakers will likely end up with Russell, Okafor, or Towns, and should not over think the decision. All three players have star potential and are not as big of a risk as some of the unknowns. They would be good building blocks for the future, and would inject some excitement into the franchise.

4. Pursue Jimmy Butler

4. Pursue Jimmy Butler

The Chicago Bulls can match any offer Butler receives, but it is unclear whether they plan to or not. Butler showed huge improvement this past season, and is quickly becoming one of the best two-way players in the league. His versatility on defense and work ethic will also help recruits stars in the future.

3. Utilize Their Late Draft Picks

3. Utilize Their Late Draft Picks

There are plenty of quality players who should be available at the end of the draft, such as Robert Upshaw and Justin Anderson. These picks can turn into potential rotation players who will be on cheap, rookie contracts. The Lakers have been too quick to trade these picks in the past, and must utilize them this year.

2. Find A Veteran

2. Find A Veteran

The Lakers need another veteran to help mentor the younger players and show them how to be true professionals. Pursuing a player such as Tyson Chandler might not seem like a big deal, but his influence in the locker room would be huge for players like Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.

1. Stick With The Plan

1. Stick With The Plan

The Lakers should have cap space both this offseason and next, and need to remain patient when constructing their roster. All teams go through rebuilding phases, and the Lakers have been fortunate enough to have Kobe Bryant around to keep fans interested. It would be a waste for them to go all in on Kobe’s last season if it means sacrificing what they’ve been building the past two seasons.

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NBA• 4 days ago

Lakers Should Get Rid Of Nick Young To Help D'Angelo Russell

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The Los Angeles Lakers will have to choose between D'Angelo Russell and Nick Young, and the best long-term choice should be obvious.

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NBA• Videos• 7 days ago

D'Angelo Russell Warns He Will Fight Back If Physically Attacked

Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell continues to be swarmed by reporters on a daily basis since the Nick Young video scandal broke earlier this week. Russell, who at least once this week had to be escorted out of practice by security, told reporters he will "get physical back" if anyone tries to get violent with him, and added he "can't force peace."

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

ESPN's Beadle Wants To Know Why Nick Young Isn't Being Criticized

ESPN's Michelle Beadle raised an interesting question about the D'Angelo Russell/Nick Young drama on Thursday. Beadle pointed out that while everyone seems to be furious with Russell for videotaping Young, seemingly no one has blasted Young for cheating on his girlfriend Iggy Azalea. Beadle's a known feminist and women's rights activist, so it isn't surprising to see her attempt to tackle a tough issue.

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

Watch Bryant's Press Conference Get Interrupted By Wade

Dwyane Wade decided to interrupt Kobe Bryant’s presser following tonights game. #GoLakershttps://t.co/xQcGh5Djre

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 31, 2016

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was in the middle of one of his many crowded press conferences following a 102-100 win over the Miami Heat when none other than Dwyane Wade walked into the room and caused a stir. Bryant found it absolutely hilarious.

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

Watch Marcelo Huertas Pull Off Trick Steal

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

Lamar Odom Attends Los Angeles Lakers Game At Kobe's Request

Lamar Odom in attendance at Staples, hugs @JeanieBuss pic.twitter.com/QpdAM5w9qr

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

Russell Feels 'As Sick As Possible' About Nick Young Video

Los Angeles Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell finally spoke to reporters about the Nick Young video leak on Wednesday night. Russell claims to have no clue how the video leaked, and said he feels "as sick as possible" about the incident.

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NBA• 1 week ago

Lakers Would Be Crazy To Keep Ryan Kelly Over 2016 Offseason

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The Los Angeles Lakers need to move on from Ryan Kelly this offseason.

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

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The Nick Young-D'Angelo Russell videotape scandal has been the biggest story in sports, so naturally Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott was asked about it by reporters on Wednesday. Scott tried to deflect the question, but also indicated he was mainly disappointed that the story got out to the public, as he wanted things to be dealt with behind the scenes.

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NBA• Videos• 1 week ago

Watch Jackson Say 'Snitches Get Stitches' To Russell Question

Stephen Jackson with the gospel pic.twitter.com/asjJ3ZfSwJ

— Brandon A. (@FameAdventura) March 30, 2016

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