Rebooting the Lakers' Dynasty: ONE YEAR PLAN

[milesfides]

Here's the problem with the Lakers, in a nutshell. Starting 2013-2014, the Lakers are going to get hammered with a triple luxury tax. They traded away Odom for nothing in return, and now Pau is likely to be traded for nothing close to his value - making us a worse team. On the free agent market, their taxpayer's 3m MLE is unlikely to get a player of real consequence.

So how are the Lakers going to get better? Well, they're not.

The fact is, next year, there is very little chance the Lakers' roster can compete with OKC's, which looks to only improve with experience, or the Spurs' GM-Coach-Player Death Machine, or a healthy and reloaded Heat. The Lakers are stuck. They can tread water, but they can't dramatically improve.

But there's ONE WAY the Lakers can position itself to produce another dynasty - ALL IN ONE YEAR.

1. TANK.
The ultimate F-U to David Stern and the crybaby small-market franchises that bitch about the L.A. market, who fight for rules that specifically target the Lakers, then tank every year to get lottery picks. Fine; well, the Lakers can play that game too; tank the season for the 2013 draft. No shame in doing it, if David Stern can veto trades to hurt the Lakers, then we can tank a season to get the top pick, which will be lottery protected in 2013. Here are some other reasons why it makes sense to tank:

2. REST KOBE
Kobe's been playing with torn wrist ligaments that has been affecting his ballhandling, shooting, and passing. Surgery apparently takes 3 months to heal. Since he's going to play in the Olympics, it's unlikely that Kobe will get the surgery - unless he sits out most of the season. But why not, if the Lakers aren't going to win anyway? Why not get his body right? It makes perfect sense. Whatever else, finger, knee, whatever. Fix his body that's being held by tape and Gary Vitt's spit. And rest. They say it's not the age but the mileage? Great; save his miles.

3. SHOWCASE TALENT FOR MORE PICKS
Let's say this summer the Lakers can't get a very good young player or a top pick with Gasol, because of the poor showing in the playoffs. Fine, showcase him next season until the Lakers get a top pick for him. Fringe playoff teams would salivate once Gasol is back to averaging 20+ ppg, dishing the ball, playing his all-around great game. For teams that are fighting for the playoffs, getting Gasol would be a killer move that not only saves their season, but saves jobs - general managers and coaches. Don't stop there; showcase not only Gasol, but also Metta, Blake, and Sessions, for draft picks and expiring contracts. Sessions as the primary backcourt player would easily give him a career year - and ensure a first round pick. Heck, the Lakers even have an option to showcase Bynum, who, without Kobe's FGA, should be a monster along with Gasol. Can you imagine 25-12-2? Book it, with seven more touches a game.

3. TARGET ELITE PERIMETER PLAYER
If either Metta or Blake is still left because they couldn't be traded, the Lakers need to use their amnesty, or even sacrifice a pick to send them packing. With Kobe and Bynum, the salary holds should be around 46m. The salary cap will probably be close to $60m next year. That means the Lakers can offer a max contract, or close to it, in 2013.

To whom? You have to think who's available and who's worth it.

James Harden. Already one of the best players in the league. Very close to a complete player. He can pass, shoot, drive. He can run an entire team, makes his teammates better, and take and make big shots. In short, he's a world class baller. He can compensate for an inadequate coach like Mike Brown; just put the ball in Harden's hands, put Kobe on the wing, set high picks with your big man, and you have a play you can run at any time.

Watch what Harden does with OKC in July. OKC will run into the same problems that the Lakers and other teams will face; with two max players already in Durant and Westbrook, they can't afford to sign both Harden and Ibaka unless they both agree to contracts substantially below market value. And even though Harden is a better player, Ibaka is more important to the team with his defense. And I think it would be Harden's dream to come back to his hometown, carry the torch from Kobe, and be THE MAN.

SUMMARY:

Here's the blueprint. Two elite perimeter players, with a dominant big man. And you've got all those picks and assets to surround them with appropriate role players.

As Kobe gets older, those guys will be growing into their prime, and because Kobe's contract is up a year after that in 2014, you'll have cap flexibility to make adjustments to the roster. If Kobe takes a paycut and frees up 10 to 15m, we can continue to add/keep talent. If Kobe doesn't take a paycut and wants to leave, the Lakers still would be in position to offer another max contract in 2014, say to a player like Lebron if he exercises his ETO.

Setting the foundations for another Laker Dynasty. All this - IN ONE YEAR.

The Heat already set a precedent for this kind of rebuilding, but what would be the Lakers' advantage would be that we would have amassed a few high draft picks (from tanking and from trading Gasol, and perhaps a first rounder for Sessions) to increase our surrounding talent. And we also have the option of trading those picks for proven talent. Once the salaries exceed the cap, we'll have our MLE to use, and of course, our veteran's minimum for those role players seeking a ring.

What do the Lakers have to lose? You look at this roster, and there's only three real assets anyways with Kobe, Pau and Bynum. We know that's not enough, so instead of lateral moves, we can dramatically increase our talent, youth, and athleticism in just one year.

[eckoner]

Thats an interesting idea but i seriously can not see the Lakers tanking. I understand with the current CBA (That is basically a HARD CAP devised to crush the Lakers) it is going to be incredibly hard for Mitch to earn his pay this summer. No team is going to want to help the Lakers even if it means they get a player like Bynum or Pau in return. They all know the Lakers $$ situation as they all sit back and watch their plan come into play.

Again i dont see them tanking but it's likely the only way to get back into contention for another ring. I also dont see any team helping the Lakers and i dont see any "REALISTIC" trades that yield a player that would quickly make LA championship contenders by the time next season rolls around.

With all of that said Mitch could pull a rabbit out of his hat and make something happen but i dont see it.

[snaquille oatmeal]

Miles I got huge reservations about Harden. he does well for OKC off the bench because he is going up against second unit SGs or he has defenses focused on KD or Westbrook and doesn't do well consistently on double teams without getting bailed out by the refs. Manu is exposing him.

as far as the tanking, me not likey tanking.

[milesfides]

I hate tanking too, but we already did it in 2005. I think we should do it again, because Kobe needs that wrist surgery anyways - and it'll effectively eliminate us from making the playoffs.

Also, the new CBA and David Stern vetoing the Chris Paul trade just pisses me off. The reality is that the league is making and breaking rules just to stop the Lakers. So the gloves are off. We can play dirty too.

And if you don't like Harden (I think he's brilliant), we'll still need to create cap space to get that elite third player. Because I just don't think Kobe-Bynum and spare parts will get it done.

Eckoner, I'm sure teams don't want to help the Lakers, but when Gasol gets back to form with 20-10-5, how could teams turn down such a player just to avoid helping the Lakers? I think they'd be too self-interested for any Laker-hate to make a difference, because Gasol is still special, and having a top 5 big man who turns only 32 in July is still worth a lottery pick imho.

[poorboy]

Here's the problem with the Lakers, in a nutshell. Starting 2013-2014, the Lakers are going to get hammered with a triple luxury tax. They traded away Odom for nothing in return, and now Pau is likely to be traded for nothing close to his value - making us a worse team. On the free agent market, their taxpayer's 3m MLE is unlikely to get a player of real consequence.

So how are the Lakers going to get better? Well, they're not.

The fact is, next year, there is very little chance the Lakers' roster can compete with OKC's, which looks to only improve with experience, or the Spurs' GM-Coach-Player Death Machine, or a healthy and reloaded Heat. The Lakers are stuck. They can tread water, but they can't dramatically improve.

But there's ONE WAY the Lakers can position itself to produce another dynasty - ALL IN ONE YEAR.

1. TANK.
The ultimate F-U to David Stern and the crybaby small-market franchises that bitch about the L.A. market, who fight for rules that specifically target the Lakers, then tank every year to get lottery picks. Fine; well, the Lakers can play that game too; tank the season for the 2013 draft. No shame in doing it, if David Stern can veto trades to hurt the Lakers, then we can tank a season to get the top pick, which will be lottery protected in 2013. Here are some other reasons why it makes sense to tank:

2. REST KOBE
Kobe's been playing with torn wrist ligaments that has been affecting his ballhandling, shooting, and passing. Surgery apparently takes 3 months to heal. Since he's going to play in the Olympics, it's unlikely that Kobe will get the surgery - unless he sits out most of the season. But why not, if the Lakers aren't going to win anyway? Why not get his body right? It makes perfect sense. Whatever else, finger, knee, whatever. Fix his body that's being held by tape and Gary Vitt's spit. And rest. They say it's not the age but the mileage? Great; save his miles.

3. SHOWCASE TALENT FOR MORE PICKS
Let's say this summer the Lakers can't get a very good young player or a top pick with Gasol, because of the poor showing in the playoffs. Fine, showcase him next season until the Lakers get a top pick for him. Fringe playoff teams would salivate once Gasol is back to averaging 20+ ppg, dishing the ball, playing his all-around great game. For teams that are fighting for the playoffs, getting Gasol would be a killer move that not only saves their season, but saves jobs - general managers and coaches. Don't stop there; showcase not only Gasol, but also Metta, Blake, and Sessions, for draft picks and expiring contracts. Sessions as the primary backcourt player would easily give him a career year - and ensure a first round pick. Heck, the Lakers even have an option to showcase Bynum, who, without Kobe's FGA, should be a monster along with Gasol. Can you imagine 25-12-2? Book it, with seven more touches a game.

3. TARGET ELITE PERIMETER PLAYER
If either Metta or Blake is still left because they couldn't be traded, the Lakers need to use their amnesty, or even sacrifice a pick to send them packing. With Kobe and Bynum, the salary holds should be around 46m. The salary cap will probably be close to $60m next year. That means the Lakers can offer a max contract, or close to it, in 2013.

To whom? You have to think who's available and who's worth it.

James Harden. Already one of the best players in the league. Very close to a complete player. He can pass, shoot, drive. He can run an entire team, makes his teammates better, and take and make big shots. In short, he's a world class baller. He can compensate for an inadequate coach like Mike Brown; just put the ball in Harden's hands, put Kobe on the wing, set high picks with your big man, and you have a play you can run at any time.

Watch what Harden does with OKC in July. OKC will run into the same problems that the Lakers and other teams will face; with two max players already in Durant and Westbrook, they can't afford to sign both Harden and Ibaka unless they both agree to contracts substantially below market value. And even though Harden is a better player, Ibaka is more important to the team with his defense. And I think it would be Harden's dream to come back to his hometown, carry the torch from Kobe, and be THE MAN.

SUMMARY:

Here's the blueprint. Two elite perimeter players, with a dominant big man. And you've got all those picks and assets to surround them with appropriate role players.

As Kobe gets older, those guys will be growing into their prime, and because Kobe's contract is up a year after that in 2014, you'll have cap flexibility to make adjustments to the roster. If Kobe takes a paycut and frees up 10 to 15m, we can continue to add/keep talent. If Kobe doesn't take a paycut and wants to leave, the Lakers still would be in position to offer another max contract in 2014, say to a player like Lebron if he exercises his ETO.

Setting the foundations for another Laker Dynasty. All this - IN ONE YEAR.

The Heat already set a precedent for this kind of rebuilding, but what would be the Lakers' advantage would be that we would have amassed a few high draft picks (from tanking and from trading Gasol, and perhaps a first rounder for Sessions) to increase our surrounding talent. And we also have the option of trading those picks for proven talent. Once the salaries exceed the cap, we'll have our MLE to use, and of course, our veteran's minimum for those role players seeking a ring.

What do the Lakers have to lose? You look at this roster, and there's only three real assets anyways with Kobe, Pau and Bynum. We know that's not enough, so instead of lateral moves, we can dramatically increase our talent, youth, and athleticism in just one year.

You can't be serious

[Gek]

[MiniMamba24]

I am all in for tanking to be honest

[MAMBAEMD]

The Lakers will never think of tanking as long as Kobe is on the team.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea. I just don't see them doing it.
They will try to go for Howard and/or Deron, and will likely not succeed because no one wants to help them become a powerhouse anytime soon.
If they can't get one of those two, they will re-engage Houston for a Gasol trade.

[snaquille oatmeal]

The Lakers will never think of tanking as long as Kobe is on the team.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea. I just don't see them doing it.
They will try to go for Howard and/or Deron, and will likely not succeed because no one wants to help them become a powerhouse anytime soon.
If they can't get one of those two, they will re-engage Houston for a Gasol trade.

I read your post and the first thing that came to mind when I saw the word powerhouse was "we can't be a powerhouse if Brown is at the helm".

[MAMBAEMD]

The Lakers will never think of tanking as long as Kobe is on the team.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea. I just don't see them doing it.
They will try to go for Howard and/or Deron, and will likely not succeed because no one wants to help them become a powerhouse anytime soon.
If they can't get one of those two, they will re-engage Houston for a Gasol trade.

I read your post and the first thing that came to mind when I saw the word powerhouse was "we can't be a powerhouse if Brown is at the helm".

I completely agree.
Brown is a hell of a nice guy. I would love for him to be successful as the Laker coach.
But he is not a championship caliber coach at all. But I guess that will have to be the topic for another thread

[Mamba Venom]

Oh ya Bynum was from tanking. I forgot it happened because we never tank.

[Slava]

If there was a season to tank, it was this previous season. You have a consensus number one pick, a condensed schedule, a botched up roster thanks to the vetoed deal, injured Kobe and a crappy coach.

Some other issues with your plan are that OKC will surely sign James Harden to close to a max. Ibaka has proven in this season's playoffs that he can neither defend his man nor catch a ball. Sure he gets 3-4 blocks a game but he's pedestrian in every other aspect. Its absolutely pointless to offer him money and letting Harden when there's already a waste of space starting at center and committed for 4 more seasons.

Also Bynum is a free agent this next season and he already will demand a max. Blake I think has more than 2 seasons a 4 mil per and I can already see Mitch overpay to keep Sessions and spend the MLE this season. So there's really no space for cap room.

[Slava]

Oh ya Bynum was from tanking. I forgot it happened because we never tank.

If Rudy T didn't go on a bender we'd probably make the playoffs that season. Half season under Frank Hamblen was like inserting an icepick into you know where.

[Sedale Threatt]

Kobe Bryant sit out a season...come on now. He'd probably rather sacrifice one of his daughters than willingly give up one of the few years he has left. Otherwise, I'm down with tanking.

[LAKESHOW]

2 plans.

1, get deron and d12.

if that fails.

2. tank

[milesfides]

Some other issues with your plan are that OKC will surely sign James Harden to close to a max. Ibaka has proven in this season's playoffs that he can neither defend his man nor catch a ball. Sure he gets 3-4 blocks a game but he's pedestrian in every other aspect. Its absolutely pointless to offer him money and letting Harden when there's already a waste of space starting at center and committed for 4 more seasons.

First team All-NBA defense. 20 first place votes, second to Lebron's 24. Considering Duncan and KG's age, you are looking at not only the best defensive big man in the NBA (along with Dwight), but also one of the best defenders, period. And he's a 22-year-old, 2nd year player.

Without Ibaka, the Thunder's entire defense falls apart. Without Harden, more shots for Westbrook and Druant. The fact that Ibaka will come cheaper than Harden also increases the likelihood that the Thunder will keep Ibaka, rather than become luxury tax payers in a small market. And the thunder, like every other team in the league, is going to do all the painful things to avoid luxury tax (see Dallas and Lakers). Maximum salary for a 6th man? Not going to happen. $8m for Ibaka and keep the rest of their core? Way more likely.

Also Bynum is a free agent this next season and he already will demand a max. Blake I think has more than 2 seasons a 4 mil per and I can already see Mitch overpay to keep Sessions and spend the MLE this season. So there's really no space for cap room.

Actually that's what this post is about. It's about creating cap space, and not making little lateral or downgrade moves that cripples the team. Such as overpaying for a backup point guard and spending the MLE this season. I already mentioned that key to this would be getting rid of Blake and Artest via amnesty clause or trading with a future pick as incentive.

Of course Bynum will want the max. Just like last time. But Bynum actually didn't get the max, he got less (he told his agent to settle for a less amount). The Lakers need to do the same thing this time, and the new CBA helps the Lakers offer Bynum less than the max, but more than what other teams could offer, because of the higher raises and another year. If Bynum feels disrespected and wants to leave, then the Lakers should trade him for talent and high draft picks. It should be the same with Kobe next summer. They have to take paycuts in order for the team to be competitive, just like the Heat did. If they're not part of the program, they need to get out, because that's the paradigm, that's the competition.

All teams will feel the crunch in their own time. OKC is just getting away with it because Harden and Ibaka developed incredibly early, and it's giving them a huge advantage, but their window closes in one more season.

In fact, maybe OKC signs and trades Harden and Ibaka.. for Bynum. Why not? Better than lose either for nothing. Don't talk to me about not wanting to trade with rivals...the Lakers gave away Odom to the Mavs, the Mavs gave away Chandler. The new luxury tax is PUNITIVE. It just happened that the Mavs and the Lakers were caught with bad timing with the cba.

And OKC will hit it too, come summer of 2013.

Not that OKC or Harden is the only trading partner. Just the biggest that come to mind.

That's the hard decision that the Lakers face. If they trade Gasol and cut salary to avoid paying the luxury tax, they will NOT GET BETTER. THEY WILL GET WORSE. THAT IS THE HARD TRUTH.

The only way the Lakers will get better AND AVOID THE PUNITIVE LUXURY TAX is if they radically restructure the team, so that they will benefit with younger (and athletic) talent on cheaper contracts.

That isn't one option, that's the only option. You cannot get cheaper and better any.other.way.

[Wonderllama]

Tanking sucks. Look at the Bobcats... only seven wins and they don't even get the #1 pick. Not worth it

[milesfides]

Doesn't matter if we get the #1 pick; we just need 2 young starter-quality players on a rookie contracts.

[Dr Aki]

i dont like tanking. tanking turns to non-#1 picks, it turns to getting scrubs and perpetual complaining

better to trade older stars for future (unprotected) 1sts and capspace, essentially its tanking but as least its dependent on other teams for picks

and capspace >>> all other factors, you can essentially buy a star for nothing, especially for a goldmine as attractive as the lakers

[milesfides]

No, actually that's not true. The top pick is 50/50 anyway, historically, of landing the best player in the draft. Sometimes, they are huge busts.

Top 10 picks are usually starter-quality. That's where we want to be.

Also, depending on other teams for picks isn't better. You don't control their tanking.

But we'd be doing all three: tanking to ensure our own high pick, trading Gasol (and/or perhaps Bynum, and perhaps Sessions) to get other team's first rounders, and creating cap space at the same time.

That's why it's the one-year plan. We get at least 2 high first round picks and capspace, all in one year. The added bonus is that there's also the possibility of getting capspace in 2014 as well, when Kobe's contract is off the books or is decreased.