Serving as an analyst for the Lakers for a while now, James Worthy has become one of the most outspoken people when it comes to the team. With the Lakers struggling right now, there are a lot of things that need to happen in order for the team to be a championship contender once again.
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Kobe Bryant has not been quiet about his wish for an immediate rebuilding of the team, but James Worthy believes the team will take their time, as he told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
I don’t think they’re looking for a quick fix. I don’t think that’s what they’re looking for. I think most teams kind of look at new-coming rookies as a projection. Something they can grow in the future, two to three years. I think that’s what they’ll be looking for.
The majority of draft picks, even those selected at the top of the draft, usually take a year or two before they are really making a big difference in the NBA. The team groomed Kobe Bryant for a couple of years before he really became one of the faces of the team.
Now the Lakers are in that same position and may be looking to do the same thing. While it is understandable that Bryant wants the team to win now, as he is entering the twilight of his career, the Lakers have to be wise and prepare for the future of this organization.
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There are a number of ways for the Lakers to do that, some even believe they could trade their top draft pick. But by taking their time and building the right way, the team’s future is likely to be much brighter.
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