The Los Angeles Lakers are ready to put their disastrous 2013-14 season behind them and begin focusing on next year. There are plenty of questions surrounding what the Lakers' offseason holds. Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are the only two players under contract and they have been ruled out for the remainder of the year. The team can opt to hold off on acquiring a marquee player or make a move immediately that shows they are ready to improve.
According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are seriously considering trading their first-round draft pick in 2014 for Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Love will be one of the top free agents in 2015. The Timberwolves are going nowhere fast and many believe Love already has one foot out the door. The chances Minnesota is able to re-sign the forward is slim to none. Rather than let him walk away for nothing, a trade could be the best move.
The Lakers have not been shy about their pursuit of Love. The issue is whether the team makes a move now or later. One first-round pick is certainly not enough to get the marquee star and the Timberwolves might be hesitant to get rid of him in the first place. However, Minnesota is sitting on the wrong side of the playoff bubble and might have no other choice but to get rid of Love now before he simply walks away.
Getting Love would certainly be an excellent addition if Pau Gasol walks away to free agency. While Bryant is hopeful that the center remains in Los Angeles, Gasol is sounding more and more like a player looking to walk away.
"A lot of factors will influence me going one place or staying here," Gasol said, via The Los Angeles Times. "We'll take everything into account. I always want this organization to do great and to be cast in the best possible scenario. I hope everything works out well for the organization, for management, for ownership. I'm very appreciative, and if I continue to be here I would also want them to be in the best possible position."
Bryant is requesting an attitude change for the Lakers and claims that starts at the top with moves from the owners. Trading for Love in the offseason would certainly make Bryant happy considering Nash will still be sucking down a pay check. The chances the team lands Caremlo Anthony this summer are very slim to making a move for Love could be the best choice.
