The Los Angeles Lakers selected their cornerstone for years to come last night, in D'angelo Russell. Russell, brings the Lakers an athletic combo guard with superstar potential, however the question many Lakers fans are asking themselves is: Does Russell bring them the hope to contend for a title heading into what will presumably be Kobe Bryant's final season?
Lamarcus Aldridge recently informed the Trail Blazers that he will not be returning to Portland, to add to that the big man is reported to have interest in joining the Lakers. Though, Lamarcus never reached a Final while in Portland he would give the the purple and gold something they are ever so yearning for: a superstar. Lamarcus would be a god send for the Lakers chances, as he is a walking 20 and 10, and when teamed with a healthy Kobe and D'angelo Russell the Lakers are suddenly a formidable squad again. With that said, it is no guarantee that Aldridge will sign on the dotted line, however there is a plethora of talent at the Power Forward position including the ever coveted Kevin Love.
Once Los Angles obtains a game changer at PF, they should set their sights toward the center position. If L.A. is looking to contend this upcoming season, they must sign a quality Center to patrol their purple paint. The best the Lakers could do is sign Marc Gasol. Unfortunately, that seems unrealistic therefore the Lakers should turn toward the athletic beast that is Deandre Jordan, and the under-appreciated, but highly skilled big man Greg Monroe. Personally, I think that the Clippers max offer will be to much for Deandre to turn down, luckily I do believe that the Lakers will net Monroe. Though, Greg doesn't bring the same defensive presence as a Deandre Jordan he is a quality Center who fits in Los Angeles nicely.
So far, the purple and gold have obtained two very good players. However, in all reality these players will not come cheap, and will cost L.A. two max contracts. With that said, the Lakers still have a gaping whole to fill at the Small Forward position, and will at this point be looking to sign more of a stop gap than a stellar student of the game. Therefore, Los Angeles should target Luol Deng and Al-Farouq Aminu. I say this, because these two players are good defenders, and there previous teams could potentially overlook them, while they are caught chasing after bigger fish. This would allow for L.A. to have a good defender on the perimeter, and more importantly give Kobe Bryant every break he can receive on defense as D'angelo Russell can guard either guard positions.
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted a potential superstar in D'angelo Russell, however this off-season is far from over as they quickly turn their fortunes around in Free Agency. With youth coming off their bench in Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, and a few stars to lead the way Kobe Bryant might just have the opportunity to go out with a bang, instead of struggling through another dismal, disappointing season in L.A.
Lamarcus Aldridge recently informed the Trail Blazers that he will not be returning to Portland, to add to that the big man is reported to have interest in joining the Lakers. Though, Lamarcus never reached a Final while in Portland he would give the the purple and gold something they are ever so yearning for: a superstar. Lamarcus would be a god send for the Lakers chances, as he is a walking 20 and 10, and when teamed with a healthy Kobe and D'angelo Russell the Lakers are suddenly a formidable squad again. With that said, it is no guarantee that Aldridge will sign on the dotted line, however there is a plethora of talent at the Power Forward position including the ever coveted Kevin Love.
Once Los Angles obtains a game changer at PF, they should set their sights toward the center position. If L.A. is looking to contend this upcoming season, they must sign a quality Center to patrol their purple paint. The best the Lakers could do is sign Marc Gasol. Unfortunately, that seems unrealistic therefore the Lakers should turn toward the athletic beast that is Deandre Jordan, and the under-appreciated, but highly skilled big man Greg Monroe. Personally, I think that the Clippers max offer will be to much for Deandre to turn down, luckily I do believe that the Lakers will net Monroe. Though, Greg doesn't bring the same defensive presence as a Deandre Jordan he is a quality Center who fits in Los Angeles nicely.
So far, the purple and gold have obtained two very good players. However, in all reality these players will not come cheap, and will cost L.A. two max contracts. With that said, the Lakers still have a gaping whole to fill at the Small Forward position, and will at this point be looking to sign more of a stop gap than a stellar student of the game. Therefore, Los Angeles should target Luol Deng and Al-Farouq Aminu. I say this, because these two players are good defenders, and there previous teams could potentially overlook them, while they are caught chasing after bigger fish. This would allow for L.A. to have a good defender on the perimeter, and more importantly give Kobe Bryant every break he can receive on defense as D'angelo Russell can guard either guard positions.
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted a potential superstar in D'angelo Russell, however this off-season is far from over as they quickly turn their fortunes around in Free Agency. With youth coming off their bench in Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, and a few stars to lead the way Kobe Bryant might just have the opportunity to go out with a bang, instead of struggling through another dismal, disappointing season in L.A.
