Six Things to Know About the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to fluctuate somewhere between a state of the ‘walking wounded’ and the ‘Walking Dead’ as we inch closer the February 20th trade deadline. After a surprising 10-9 start, the injury bug simply hasn’t stopped biting them at every opportunity. The players should absolutely be commended for maintaining to fight in most contests, but the front office has some work to do in the coming months.

#1 – Pau Gasol’s ‘return’ confirms he’s still got plenty left.

Much was made of the Lakers’ reported trade discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers that would have shipped the two-time champion and future Hall of Famer to the Eastern Conference to play with Kyrie Irving. While there seemed to be a possible deal in the works, ultimately, both teams determined a better deal could be found elsewhere. It shouldn’t come as a a total shock, as even though the Lakers seem to be interested in maximizing on Gasol as an asset, they absolutely shouldn’t just give a player with his offensive arsenal away without comparable returns.

Gasol, currently battling a sore toe, has averaged 20.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 blocks in the month of January. He recently showed off his skill set with in a 20-point, 19-rebound, five-block and three-steal performance against Chicago). If the Lakers do eventually look to move Gasol, contrary to what some may say, there will be a market of teams looking for a player to put them over the hump throughout the playoff push. Clearly, Gasol can still serve as that and more.

#2 – Nick Young’s play warrants a payday.

While end-of-year awards are rarely given to players on potential lottery teams, Nick Young has absolutely played like a Sixth Man of the Year. Recently praised for his “combativeness” by teammate Kobe Bryant, Young has brought the type of nightly effort that should be acknowledged by more than just those that share a locker room with him. At 17.1 points per game, Young is actually leading this year’s Lakers squad in scoring from the bench. In fact, he’s already provided 15 games of 20+ points while playing just 28.7 minutes per contest.

Playing in the comfort of his hometown and for his childhood favorite Lakers has been great for Young, as his game appears to have become more well-rounded over the years. Although he’ll never be considered a “defensive stopper” by any stretch, Young’s all-around effort has been felt at various times this year. When playing for a team with so many players on expiring contracts, it would be very easy and even understandable for there to be a “mercenary” feeling within the ranks, but both Young’s play and engaging personality have aided in limiting any sign of that.

#3 – Even if Steve Nash returns, days could be numbered in L.A.

No one likes this topic. It’s tough, even downright uncomfortable regardless of your stance on how things have gone. The truth is, no one wants to openly say what needs to be said, because not only is Steve Nash a very likable player and fantastic teammate, he’s also at the end of what will undoubtedly be a Hall of Fame career of his own.

For lack of a more appropriately tactful way of saying it, the Lakers would be better off if Nash were to eventually retire at the end of this season. To be clear, judging based on what is being reported by those close to the situation, that isn’t likely to be in Nash’s personal plans. Frankly, from his perspective, why should it be? Where it is completely understandable that all-parties-involved (player/organization/fans) are equally as frustrated with the injury-riddled outcome of his tenure in Los Angeles, it is also understandable that Nash wouldn’t want his career to end on such a note. That said, with all due respect to the two-time MVP and eight-time All Star, it appears more and more likely the organization will look to employ the CBA’s stretch provision on his contract at year’s end if he does not retire on his own. As they should.

»In Related: Los Angeles Lakers salary cap information

#4 – The Lakers’ “cupboard” is bare, they need more assets.

With just their 2014 first-round pick until the 2016 draft (2014 second-round pick and all 2015 picks traded in various deals), the Lakers’ front office definitely has some work to do in terms of acquiring more assets. It’s one thing to bottom out in a good year for perspective draft picks, as it appears they are on the path toward doing, but the Lakers also need to start considering maximizing on some of the roster’s remaining assets in order to start compiling additional draft picks for future talent and dealings. While the latest CBA makes it so that adopting a ‘build-through-the-draft’ mentality (at least in some part) necessary, the Lakers’ front office has always used picks and prospects in deals to acquire top-line talent in the past. Changes aside, we shouldn’t anticipate that practice to cease any time soon.

#5 – Entire roster is playing for future, in L.A. or beyond.

As we know, the Lakers have eight players currently on the roster without at least a partially guaranteed contract or player option for the 2014-15 season. Once the front office determines which of the current players they would like to continue rebuilding a winner with, it is likely that we see some of those players’ names either in serious trade discussions as we near the Feb. 20 deadline or ‘officially’ on the move. The knowledge of this isn’t exactly a well-kept secret, so it will be crucial for both the coaching staff and veterans to maintain a camaraderie and focus within the locker room, as it would be natural for players to start looking over their shoulders as the rumors intensify, which, at 10 games below .500, we expect them to.

#6 – Kobe Bryant vows to return, because… of course he does.

While Bryant absolutely, positively should wait until he’s fully healed to return to action, don’t expect that to mean he’s hanging up the Nike ‘Kobe 9’s’ for the spring. No need to rush, given the circumstances, but there are several reasons to return at some point down the line. Not only do the Lakers and Bryant (himself) need to know what his body will permit him to do at this point, but so do all of the potential free agents they plan on pursuing in the offseason. No one expects Bryant to return to the vintage “I can’t believe what I just saw” ‘Fro-be’ days of yesteryear, but all parties need to see just how close he can be to the startlingly lethal and efficient version of Bryant that carved the league up in 2012-13 prior to the Achilles tear.

Given this team’s reality, whether it is a larger deal involving Gasol or smaller deals with some of the skilled ‘complementary’ players this roster is full of, we expect the Lakers to be one of the more active teams in terms of deadline discussions. With the NBA Draft and what is expected to be yet another free agency blitz come July, the front office is undoubtedly going to be involved in some sort of discussions and negotiations aimed at maximizing and acquiring assets now and throughout the summer.

For more of the ‘Six Things’ series, be sure to check out Indiana , Orlando, Portland, Chicago, and Milwaukee as well!