Another season ends in success for the Los Angeles Lakers. This time at the disposal of age-old rival Boston Celtics in an epic seven-game series.
Its been over two weeks since they hoisted up their back-to-back title. Now its time to ready themselves for another run at the Larry O’Brien trophy.
So far the Lakers that are off the books are Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, DJ MBenga, Josh Powell, Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown due to his choice of opting out of the final year of his contract.
Most are expecting Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown to be back in a Lakers uniform.
But at this time the defending champs can do a bit of a reserve unit rebuild.
Next: Upgrading the Reserves…
First move they’ve made was picking up free agent Steve Blake; essentially the most sought after point guard in this year’s free agency.
Blake is considered a true point. Partly because of his pass-first mentality.
With Blake taking most of the mid-level exception and Mike Miller looking for more than what Mitch Kupchak wants to spend, the attention turns to Raja Bell. Bell has expressed that he would like to play for the Lakers, but lists Miami as his first choice since its in his home state of Florida.
Raja is a great perimeter defender that is perhaps best known for clothes-lining Kobe Bryant in the 2006 first round Lakers-Suns series. But the competitiveness of the Black Mamba exceeds his past quarrels with any player. Case in point: Ron Artest.
And look what happened there…
L.A. is hoping that Kobe’s lobby for Raja will convince him to sway towards Tinseltown instead.
Next: Gone Fishin’…
Perhaps the biggest concern is getting Derek Fisher to sign back for less money or less years.
Next month, Fisher turns 36. And although he is great shape, he has declined a bit in regular season production. Which has the Lakers in a position to reserve him for the postseason, where he thrives.
Last week, the Lakers offered Fisher 1-year/$2.5Million dollar contract. He immediately rejected.
Derek is looking for a 2-year/$10Million dollar contract.
As we are sure that the two parties will come to terms with a more feasible deal, it is possible that other teams will attempt to nab him away from the 2010 champions. Sources say that Cleveland and Miami are among the teams interested in the clutch veteran.
This will be an intriguing off-season for the Lakers. With the draft picks Devin Ebanks & Doug Caracter looking like solid pieces to make the team. It is possible that Josh Powell & DJ Mbenga won’t be signed back. As they will be looking for more money than L.A.’s willing to offer.
But without Fisher, the road to a 3-Peat will be more enduring than initially expected.