The LA Lakers have Byron Scott in for Kobe Bryant and while free agent targets like Eric Bledsoe or Greg Monroe would be dreams, the team still has options like Chris Douglas-Roberts, Michael Beasley and Jordan Crawford, while a Steve Nash trade could be in the cards this year after the team traded for Jeremy Lin and did not use the stretch provision on his deal.
The Lakers introduced Scott to much fanfare and now he has a tough task, as the team was a mess last season and one of their worst records in franchise history. According to ESPN.com, the Lakers are not using the stretch provision on Nash and this season, which he said will be his last, his entire cap hit will be covered so that the team doesn't have to worry about it in the future.
The Lakers love what Nash brings with his leadership and experience, but everyone involved knows that he likely will be in more of a reserve role this season. The Lakers made a number of solid moves this offseason, including trading for Lin and bidding in Carlos Boozer after the Chicago Bulls used the amnesty clause on him. Boozer was overpriced in Chicago, but now he is a bargain in Los Angeles and he can help make up for the loss of Pau Gasol.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Lakers considered putting in an offer sheet for Bledsoe this offseason, but by doing it they would have been locked into that salary cap number. The team wanted to make roster moves and having a deal out to Bledsoe would have stopped them, including from adding Boozer. The report says that the Suns and Bledsoe are at odds over his deal, as he wants five years and they are offering four. The two sides are very far apart and now the relationship could be broken and that is one reason why other teams are watching this closely now.
Monroe has had some of the same issues and being a restricted free agent this year really means it apart from Chandler Parsons. The Pistons are looking at what to do and they may deal Josh Smith before signing Monroe. Bledsoe is a very talented player, but he has had injury issues and now he is looking to get paid. He has asked for around $80 million over five years, while ESPN.com reports that the Suns have offered four and around $50 million.
The Lakers come into the season after winning just 27 games and they are looking for a fast turnaround and while they may not win a championship this year or the next, they could be in the mix a few years down the line. Something drastic needs to happen for Kobe to get back into things before he is too old and that means something next summer or a trade this season. The team obviously dreams of Kevin Love, but if he gets dealt to the Cavs or Bulls, they may look at other names like Marc Gasol or Rajon Rondo in free agency in 2015.
The Lakers have brought back solid names like Xavier Henry, Nick Young and Ryan Kelly and they need that bench support this season. Lin and Boozer are solid additions and now with Byron Scott in, the team can find a new identity after last year's mess.