Fixing the 2012 Los Angeles Lakers in 4 Comfortable Steps

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Every critical voice in L.A. talked about the Lakers' troubles and the reasons last year. The poor performance in last year's Playoffs could be due to a veteran roster, the lack of young talent from the bench and a big amount of injuries.

We are trying to fix this problem by making four trades. Let's see.

Improving Guards: Fisher and Blake, out

Jose Calderon will be the new Lakers guard
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The first and main problem was in the playmaker role. Derek Fisher is 37 years old and Steve Blake hasn't been able to adapt and his season has been very disappointing.

The solution is Jose Calderon. The Spanish guard will be sent to L.A. for Steve Blake and forward Luke Walton. In order to compensate for the differences, the Raptors will use the exception.

Lakers: Jose Calderon and a trade exception

Raptors: Steve Blake and Luke Walton

Improving Fowards: Danny Granger Is the Objective

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The problem in forward positions will be solved with the acquisition of Danny Granger. He needs to leave Indiana to try continuing his progression, which has been slowed down in the last few years. To get such an important piece, it's evident that the Lakers will have to "sacrifice" some of their key players: Lamar Odom.

The full trade will include Derek Fisher to be George Hill's cover and new mentor in Indiana. L.A. will receive a 2013 first-round pick and young forward Paul George to add new blood to the bench and minutes for rest to Pau Gasol.

Lakers: Danny Granger, Paul George and a 2013 first-round pick

Pacers: Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher

A Wish Called Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard will be the new Lakers center
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The "Superman" drama, his probable departure from Orlando and the rumors that put him in L.A will end with his trade to the Lakers. 

Dwight Howard will be a free agent next summer. He hasn't wanted to extend his contract and Magic don't want to lose their center and are receiving no consideration for him. Orlando will send Dwight Howard and Brandon Bass to L.A. for Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and Sasha Vujacic's trade exception.

Lakers: Dwight Howard and Brandon Bass

Magic: Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and a trade exception

The Last Move: A Guard and a Forward for the Bench

Earl Watson was the new Lakers bench guard
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The addings for the bench will come from the free agency:

• An expensive alternative: Jose Juan Barea (Dallas) and Shane Battier (Memphis)

• A cheap alternative: Earl Watson (Utah) and Sam Young (Memphis)

 

So, the Lakers for 2011-12 season (if it happens) will be composed of:

Starters: Jose Calderon, Kobe Bryant, Danny Granger, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard.

Bench: Earl Watson, Darius Morris, Shannon Brown, Matt Barnes, Sam Young, Ater Majok, Paul George, Devin Ebanks, Derrick Caracter and Theo Ratliff.