One day after the Los Angeles Lakers revealed Kobe Bryant’s timetable to return, GM Mitch Kupchak spoke to the media about the state of the franchise and where they’ll be going from here on out.
Perhaps one of the most telling quotes of the day from Kupchak was his admission that the talent level on this team needs to improve next season, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Mitch Kupchak on Kobe/Lakers next year: "The big key is that we have to improve the talent level on the team."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 29, 2015
The Lakers are currently one of the worst teams in the league with a record of 12-34. There’s been no signs of improvement or hope that the team will turn things around this season leading many to believe the Lakers are once again headed for the NBA draft lottery this summer.
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Along with potentially landing a top-five pick in the 2015 NBA draft, if it doesn’t ultimately go to the Phoenix Suns as a result of the Steve Nash trade, the Lakers will have the cap space to make some moves in the off-season. Los Angeles isn’t as desirable an NBA destination as it has been in the past, but the location and 16 championship banners hanging in the rafters at the Staples Center will still be a selling point.
Kobe appears intent on helping the team recruit free agents this summer as Kupchak alluded to on Thursday, via Winters:
Mitch Kupchak: "To me, a big part of Kobe's contribution next year is if we can improve this team in the off-season."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 29, 2015
It’ll be interesting to see whether Kobe’s influence in recruiting free agents will be another to land a big-name player or two come July. Rajon Rondo seems to be the most likely candidate to sign with the Lakers of any of the notable free agents set to hit the open market, but it’ll be difficult for him to leave more money on the table in a good situation with the Dallas Mavericks.
[divide]Lakers Kobe Bryant Out For Season