Laker's Coach

Laker's Coach Mike D'Antoni addresses the media after a loss.

(image from NY daily news)

If recent rumors are true, Kobe Bryant no longer wants Mike D'Antoni to be his head coach. This is monumental because Kobe is the face of the franchise and usually tends to get his way.

The man called “Magic Mike” and “Mike Antoni” (because his teams never play D) has racked up a losing record in just under two years as the coach.

His style has not only failed to properly utilize Pau Gasol, but it allegedly drove Dwight Howard away from the team.

These factors, as well as the fact that the team is on its way to one of the worst seasons in club history means that he may be replaced this offseason.

Two possible candidates include George Karl and Lionel Hollins.

Karl was most recently the coach of the Denver Nuggets and lead the team to the playoffs in all nine seasons as their head coach. He employs a fast-pace style of play with his teams often leading the league in fast-break points.

Hollins was the coach of the Grizzlies and used a style based on defense and post play. He would benefit Pau Gasol if the Lakers decide to re-sign him next year as well as maximizing their post talent.

Ultimately, it will depend what players the Lakers acquire this offseason as to what coach will be the best fit. However, it will not be surprising if that man is not Mike D'Antoni.

Draft Options

Kansas teammates Andrew Wiggins (left) and Joel Embiid (right)

could be the first two picks in this years draft.

(Photo from Bleacher report)

This season the Lakers will have a lottery draft pick for the first time since the 2005 draft. Here is a look at the four best options to help the team rebuild:

1. Joel Embiid HT 7-0 WT 250: He is a 19-year-old center who plays for Kansas. He has only been playing organized basketball for a few years due to growing up in Cameroon but he has shown the ability to learn very quickly. He is considered to have the most upside of any player in the draft.

2. Andrew Wiggins HT 6-8 WT 200: The 18-year-old shooting guard was hailed as the next Lebron coming out of highschool and has struggled to live up to that standard but has phenomenal athleticism and talent. He recently had one of the best games in Kansas' history. 

3. Jabari Parker HT 6-8 WT 241: The 18-year-old small forward has a game very similar to Carmelo Anthony. Both players are jump shooters and rely on their size rather than athleticism. He projects as a good scorer and rebounder at the NBA level

4. Dante Exum HT 6-6 WT 188: The 18-year-old point guard is from Australia so he has not been tested against high-level competition. However, he has all the physical tools to become an all-star point guard. Also, he has stated that he wants to play for the Lakers.  

Free Agency

                                 Knicks Forward Carmelo Anthony celebrating a buzzer-beating shot

One of the ways for the Lakers to speed up their rebuilding process is through free agency. Here are several players the Lakers might try to sign this off season.

1. Carmelo Anthony: The 29 year-old forward is known for his incredible scoring ability but has never been a strong defender or much of a team player. He most likely would not fit well with Kobe.

2. Eric Bledsoe: The 24 year-old former Clipper thrived most of this season in a featured role on the Suns prior to going down with a knee injury. He is a phenomenal athlete known for his defense and hustle and could help the Lakers greatly depending on his price tag.

3. Greg Monroe: A 23 year-old power forward on the Detroit Pistons who is known for his offense and great passing from the post. He is a similar player to current Laker Pau Gasol in that he relies on skill rather than athleticism and leaves quite a bit to be desired on defense.

4. Lance Stephenson: The former Pacers second round pick is still only 23 years old and emerged as an all-star candidate this season. He has improved every year that he has been in the league and has the potential to continue to get better.

5. Luol Deng: The 28 year-old small forward has played miserably since he was traded to the Cavaliers but he is a two-time all-star and still has a lot of value in the right situation.