Despite teams still playing for a championship this season, rumors have already started on what the “purple and gold” will do over the coming months to bring winning back to the Staples Center. Kupchak has stated the team is willing to do almost anything to bring in more talent and with several big name free agents set to hit the market, reports have surfaced on deals that could reshape the franchise.
The latest from Bleacher Report has suggested that small forward Jimmy Butler of Chicago is now tops on the list for Los Angeles. This team hasn’t had a quality number three in several years and paired with last years top pick Julius Randle, could give the LA Lakers a formidable front court and help take the scoring pressure off Bryant next season.
Butler averaged 20 points and nearly six rebounds for the Bulls over the 2014-15 NBA season. His ability to put the ball in the basket when Derrick Rose was recovering from another injury is what was most impressive. The Lakers struggled to find a scoring threat on a consistent basis this past season without Bryant and adding the 25-year-old would not only help next year, but he could become the future star the team builds around to win more titles.
There’s no doubt the front office needs to also find help at point guard and the latest mock drafts have suggested that a rookie could become the floor leader next season, but this team needs a star to build around, especially with Bryant likely playing in his last year or two in the league. Butler is a solid on both ends of the court and the type of player the team can use as the cornerstone for future success.
