Perhaps no other team in the league endures more scrutiny than the Lakers, in good times or bad. Considering the trials and tribulations L.A. went through for the duration of the 2012-13 campaign—coupled with immense preseason hype—the non-stop frenzy of fan and media criticism was certainly deserved.
If the Lakers want to fix their issues, change the sentiment regarding the team and actually contend in 2013-14, they’ll need to make some moves this summer.
Let’s take a look at a few possible options that are rumored to be on the table.
Pau Gasol Has Surgery and Future in L.A.
Despite being a scapegoat for many of the Lakers troubles this season, Pau Gasol stepped up in a big way down the stretch. He put together two triple-doubles in the last three games of the year, willing L.A. to an improbable No. 7 seed in the playoffs.
Those types of performances are what the veteran big man is capable of on a regular basis. Head coach Mike D’Antoni couldn’t seem to find a way to integrate him into the offense alongside Dwight Howard.
The pair finally found a way to work together after Kobe Bryant’s season-ending Achilles injury, which is a large reason why the Lakers are likely to retain the Spaniard this summer in lieu of cutting him or dealing him away.
According to NBA writer Mark Heisler, the Lakers front office main plan is to keep Gasol and also bring back the other main contributors from last season’s up-and-down run. That would also include Dwight Howard, who is an unrestricted free agent and still up in the air about his future.
The 32-year-old Gasol has undergone a procedure on both of his knees in order to treat the tendonosis...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
