The Los Angeles Lakers’ off-season has not been a satisfying one. Just like the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers, they, too, failed to hold on to a couple of key pieces from last year’s roster.

The most damaging loss for the Lakers was Pau Gasol. The big Spaniard had a close relationship with Kobe Bryant and helped the Lakers achieve two championships in the past. With Bryant injured throughout most of last season, Gasol became the best player, averaging 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds.

Gasol left behind a void that would be difficult to fill. Gasol’s I.Q. level is tough to match, and his ability to pass, score in the low block, rebound, and knock down mid-range shots are not simple to replace. Aside from Gasol, the Lakers lost Jodie Meeks who had the best season of his career last year. Additionally, they did not make an attempt to re-sign Jordan Farmar and will lose his scoring and play making off the bench. They also lost Kent Bazemore and Chris Kaman, who would some times have big games. 

The Lakers off-season kicked off with the re-signing of Nick Young and Jordan Hill. Young wanted to remain in L.A. and got his wish. He will certainly continue to provide bench scoring and tremendous offensive energy. Meanwhile, Hill received a two-year, $18 million deal. Even though Hill brings never-ending energy and remarkable rebounding and physicality, $9 million per year is a lucrative amount.

The Lakers followed those moves by re-signing Xavier Henry and Wesley Johnson. The Lakers really loved the aggression Henry brought on the offensive end, and the athleticism and energy Johnson brought on the defensive end. Both Johnson and Henry signed a one-year, $1 million contract, which were bargain deals for Los Angeles.

The next set of moves included re-signing Ryan Kelly and signing Ed Davis. Kelly impressed the Lakers last season with his ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes. Davis inked a one-year, $1 million contract too, and he will serve as a rebounder and interior defender off the bench this upcoming season.

Two other major moves made by the Lakers were the signing of Carlos Boozer and the trade for Jeremy Lin. The Lakers figured Boozer could be the replacement for Pau Gasol, but Boozer does not rebound and play defense at a consistent rate like Gasol does. He also does not possess the fundamental skills of Pau. Therefore, the Lakers greatly downgraded at the power forward position this summer. However, Lin could at least supply some scoring at the starting point guard position. Though, the Lakers will be paying him $15 million this year. Los Angeles could have used that money on a couple of other costless agents, but they chose to take on Lin’s expiring contract instead.

It is safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers, handing out one year deals and taking on expiring contracts, are preparing for next year’s costless agency. With very little promise on the roster, the Lakers were unable to convince any top costless agents to join them this summer. Now, they will forfeit yet another season as they will more than likely deliver one more disappointing, lottery year.

Grade: D

Depth Chart:
PG: Jeremy Lin/Steve Nash/Jordan Clarkson/Keith Appling
SG: Kobe Bryant/Xavier Henry
SF: Wesley Johnson/Nick Young
PF: Carlos Boozer/Julius Randle/Ryan Kelly
C: Jordan Hill/Ed Davis/Robert Sacre
Coach: Byron Scott