This summer might be the most important off-season in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. With a solid young core of players, ample salary cap space, and a potential top-3 draft pick, general manager Mitch Kupchak will have a ton of tools at his disposal to improve the team.
One of the main ways to improve, and add a big star is through a trade. The Lakers have already been mentioned in rumors for players such as Indiana Pacers forward Paul George and those will likely continue through the summer.
Of course, in order to acquire a big name, you have to give up some talent and in his press conference on Friday, Kupchak noted that nobody on the roster is untouchable:
Mitch Kupchak: ‘Nobody’s off limits’ on Lakers roster. Says it’s his job to listen (via @TWCSportsNet)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 6, 2016
This thought process makes sense as even though players such as Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, and Jordan Clarkson have a lot of potential, none of them are guaranteed superstars in this league and you need that to ultimately win a championship.
The question comes down to whether or not the Lakers prefer a slow re-build as opposed to trying to turn things around immediately, and Kupchak made it clear which he would prefer:
Mitch would prefer a dramatic improvement with the team as opposed to a slow build (via @TWCSportsNet)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 6, 2016
Whether or not that quick turnaround is possible remains to be seen. The Lakers have been unable to add a big-name in free agency the last couple of years, and a trade for a big star could rob the team of the young core they have acquired. Even a top draft pick is far from a guarantee, and could take years to develop.
The important thing to take away is that Kupchak is open to all possibilities of improving the Lakers this summer. There will be a number of options for the Lakers this off-season so they will certainly be a team to watch this summer.
