The Los Angeles Lakers came in to this off-season with a plan to try and bring in a big star like Carmelo Anthony to pair with Kobe Bryant, and hopefully bring back Pau Gasol.
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When that plan fell through, the Lakers moved on to Plan B, which involved bringing in young players on short contracts, and maintaining cap flexibility for the next two off-seasons. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Kobe believes Kupchak has done well:
Kobe "I think Mitch has responded quite efficiently (from missing on Melo/Pau) by picking up some of the pieces he has"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 18, 2014
The Lakers have brought back a couple of their best players from last season, signing Jordan Hill and Xavier Henry to short-term contracts, while Nick Young got a four-year deal.
The Lakers also traded for Jeremy Lin, and signed Ed Davis and Carlos Boozer to add to a returning Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, and Robert Sacre. Ryan Kelly is also very likely to be brought back.
The Lakers were very careful about not overpaying players and were able to add to the roster without sacrificing cap flexibility for next off-season when guys like Rajon Rondo, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Kevin Love could be available.
At this point, the only major move that needs to be made is for the Lakers to officially hire a coach, and Bryant has already made it known who he would like to see at that position. Time will tell if he gets his wish.
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Lakers Acquire Carlos Boozer
