The Los Angeles Lakers have suffered through a down stretch the past couple years, but there’s no reason why this storied franchise can’t retool and reload in epic fashion this summer. Here’s our list of 3 Offseason Storylings For The Los Angeles Lakers:
1) Who will they draft?
In a draft front-loaded with game-changing talent, this is the Lakers’ opportunity to pick up an instant impact game-changer on a rookie deal with the opportunity to build around him and the return Julius Randle in free agency. With Karl-Anthony Towns expected to go No. 1 to Minnesota, Jahlil Okafor figures to go to the Lakers at No. 2, though reports indicate they're also considering D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers may not get a chance to pick this high for a long time, so everyone’s got their fingers crossed that they get this pick right.
2) What will they do in free agency?
Los Angeles has the most cap space in the league and have several needs, which will undoubtedly lead to them being big players in free agency. They'll be in the mix for both LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol, as well as with restricted free agents Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, and Tobias Harris. Chances are the Lakers won't come away empty handed.
3) Kobe's return from injury
Kobe is recovering from a torn rotator cuff, but questions still remain how the Lakers' franchise player will respond when he finally hits the floor again. Bryant will turn 37 this summer, and currently sits in 10th place on the NBA’s leaderboard for all-time minutes played (he’s second among active players, trailing just Kevin Garnett). After returning from an Achilles injury this past Summer, Bryant played heavy minutes in November and December before everything caught up to him at once in late December.
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