The NBA trade deadline came and went and the Los Angeles Lakers still have the exact same roster as before. Expected to seek out a few trades before the cutoff, the Lakers simply lacked the assets and draft picks to get a deal done for any players. Reportedly the frontrunners to land players like Goran Dragic or Reggie Jackson, the Lakers came up empty handed and must now decide their next move.
The Lakers were supposed to be the frontrunner for Dragic, but could not meet the demands of the Phoenix Suns who were asking for a first-round pick for the point guard. In the end they got two picks, something the Lakers could have never afforded. With three major players out for the season, the 2014-15 year for the Lakers is likely a wash. However, free agency is where the team is setting their focus and after not taking on any extra baggage at the trade deadline, the Lakers are set to spend money in the summer.
"We need pieces at every position to get to where we want to get to," head coach Byron Scott said, via ESPN.com. "Obviously, we're not going to be able to solve that problem in one year or one summer. It's going to take us a little time. I truly believe that [everything will be OK]. I believe in Jim [Buss], I believe in Mitch [Kupchak]. The game plan that they showed me months ago, I believe in that and we knew it was going to take us some time, we knew it was going to be a process. Just got to stick to your guns."
The Lakers have big names in mind this offseason. With players like Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer out, Los Angeles is thinking max contracts for the next few years. The Lakers could still chase Dragic with a max contract as his trade to the Miami Heat does not guarantee a return in free agency. Rajon Rondo is still a viable option as well. LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Monroe and Jimmy Butler will also be targets for the Lakers. Fans will also not forget about the speculation that Kevin Love is ready to leave Cleveland in order to head back to the West Coast and Kevin Durant is easily an option as well in 2016.
Los Angeles will take on major roster changes come the offseason. In 2015 they will lose Steve Nash, Lin and Boozer, but get back a healthy Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle who will create a nice core with top free agents in the mix.