A brief overview of the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
2013-14 record: 27-55 (5th in Pacific Division).
2013-14 statistics: 103.0 points per game (11th in NBA), 109.2 points allowed per game (29th in NBA), 774 three-pointers (2nd in NBA), 38.1% three-point shooting (3rd in NBA), 4,018 opponent rebounds (most in NBA), 2,006 assists (4th in NBA).
2013 draft recap: The Lakers drafted Ryan Kelly with the 48th overall pick. Kelly missed the whole summer league and training camp with a foot injury. He eventually worked his way up towards the starting line-up, working perfectly for Mike D’Antoni and his run-and-gun offense. Kelly averaged 8.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and0.8 BLKPG.
Biggest offseason decisions
This offseason is sure going to be interesting. Almost everyone on the roster is gone. Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Robert Sacre and Kendall Marshall with a team option are the only ones returning. There is a possibility that Steve Nash might also retire. The draft looks promising but the toughest decision is who to bring back from the following season, which was one of the worst seasons for the franchise. Power forward Pau Gasol, who helped the Lakers win two championships, is going to need to take a pay cut if the Lakers want to have the cap space to sign a quality costless agent. Jordan Hill, who has been a stellar player for the team for the past two seasons, might be a little too expensive for the team. Chris Kaman should stick around. Marshall, who has a non-guaranteed contract for next season, Xavier Henry and Kent Bazemore should also stick around.
The big push will be to try to land a new star, through a sign-and-trade deal likely involving Gasol or through costless agency. That might be easier next offseason, but the Lakers can never be counted out on the open market.
Draft Priorities
1. Small forward: Last year the Lakers didn’t have any trouble at the SF, but they will have trouble this season because no SF is set to return yet. Wesley Johnson and Young did somewhat a decent job at the position. There aren’t any options for a SF at No.7 but the Lakers can try and trade down.
2. Point guard: Nash and backup Jordan Farmar might be returning for the Lakers but can't be relied on to stay healthy. Nash has the possibility of retiriement. Marshall struggled on defense. Exum or Smart would be great fits to take over the position immediately and for the future.
