Luke Walton has agreed to become the Lakers head coach, putting him in the running for the 2016-17 Coach of the Year. This was definitely a great move for the Lakers and it could be a great move for Walton. Back in the day Dr Buss always managed to make the deals happen to bring in the right people: Kareem, Magic, Pat Riley, Worthy, Shaq, Kobe, Phil Jackson, Odom, Pau. The Buss offspring don't seem to have the touch but the Laker brand still has plenty of cache even if the last few years have left the cupboard close to bare. This past season was sacrificed on the altar of Kobe (right now are the Lakers any better than the Sixers?), but the future begins now. With Walton (the Buss Children's first undeniably great move) the Lakers have something like an identity going forward and a young core (Russell, Randle, Clarkson, Nance, the upcoming #2 pick) to build around. There should be a lot of player movement this summer though it feels like the trade market, as opposed to the free agent market, will be stronger than usual and the Lakers don't have much to barter. The Lakers used to be an attractive free agent destination, can they regain that mantle?
Some random speculation on who they might be targeting: Harrison Barnes (Warriors), Demar Derozan (Raptors), Ryan Anderson (Pelicans), OJ Mayo (Bucks), Timofey Mozgov (Cavs), Meyers Leonard (Blazers), Al Jefferson (Hornets). I know, right? Still looks like another lean year for the Lakers, doesn't it? Oh well. If they can get a nice mix of mid-term and long-term deals worked out, they can get back in the playoff mix within 2 years, I'd say.
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