Things you would like to see happen this offseason

[Jajwanda]

Here's the problem with that, let's look at the actual problem on offense and on the bench:

PG- Fisher
SG- Bryant
SF- Artest
PF- Gasol
C- Bynum

Notice that there is one guy that can penetrate facilitate and score in multiple ways with efficiency on the perimeter (Kobe). Your star PF has to be within two positions, either the high post in the two-man game or in the low post. Your C must follow accordingly. This somewhat negates Kobe's post-up ability but that's alright the system can still be very effective. Here's the problem:

- Artest and Fisher

When you have an all-around threat like Kobe you want a second ball-handler that can get into the paint and a third guy who can be all around threat, shoot, and cut well. The Lakers have a spot-up shooter and a guy that can't find his fit, while hitting threes only at a decent percentage. That's mediocre, that's why the starting offense is mediocre (not terrible, but mediocre). It should be better considering the talent it has. Here's how you fix it.

- Player 1: Must be able to bring up the ball effectively, make an initial pass, shoot the 3, drive, and hit the mid-range. He must also be able to defend.
- Player 2: Must be able to hit the 3 ball with decent efficiency, hit the mid-range in case of a run out, have decent ball-handling ability (nothing special), be able to cut to the basket and must be able to defend.

Now if you ask me it's much easier to find a PG that can do Player 1's role and a SF that can do Player 2's role effectively. Ron Artest is neither of these players, but I'll get to him later (bench section with heavy minutes).

Now if you ask me: The perfect player for role 2 is Tayshaun Prince. At least a solid defender he can bring the all-around game required to do that role.

Finding a perfect player for role 1 is not easy but I think Keyon Dooling can do it. An underrated player, he can hit the 3, makes smarter decisions now, and can drive to the basket. Toney Douglas, Jordan Farmar, it doesn't take anyone special. All it takes is someone that can do what Fisher does plus drive to the basket as well as defend.

I've listed a much improved lineup that's very easy to attain:

PG- Dooling
SG- Bryant
SF- Prince
PF- Gasol
C- Bynum

Much improved efficiency and at least the same level of defense. I'll post a second one to explain why I bench Artest and how he could be more effective coming off the bench.

[laduane1]

Get a lot of rest.

All come back stronger and healthy

Move up into the first round. Get a player that will help.

Buy a first rounder to add to the bench.

With no Phil coaching the team. The Lakers might actually use some of there young players. Thank god phil is gone. Let the next phrase of the Lakers start.

[vmor]

...with hopefully Shannon opting out...

I doubt that. Shannon learned his free market value last year (lack thereof?), and is unlikely to opt out after his performance this season. Perhaps we can get for him + an expiring contract a young guard not needed by his team?
I liked Ebanks in his rare minutes, and hope that he develops into another Ariza. Caracter should be able to give 5+ min. rest to our front guys...