Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Will Be Key in Acquiring Trade and Free-Agent Targets

The Los Angeles Lakers are an absolute mess, though there is actually a small glimmer of hope on the horizon. The horizon is a bit far away for fans of the team, but it's a vision worth being patient about.

Kobe Bryant is done for the season. He will no longer have an impact on the current Lakers roster, a roster in desperate need of improvement for 2016—presumably a season that will be Bryant's last.

The Black Mamba still has quality basketball left in the tank. Sure, the 36-year-old shot only shot 37.3 percent from the floor in 35 games, but he still averaged 22.3 points per night. If you take enough shots you'll make enough shots, yet it's obvious that the Black Mamba can still be effective.

Bryant's confidence has been so apparent that others were able to tell the Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan of his intentions for the future:

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony echoed that sentiment, via Bresnahan: "Oh, he'll be back. He's going to prove to everybody that he's coming back. He'll be back for sure."

He's coming back to prove something to both himself and his doubters—that's a given. But a competitor as fierce as Bryant obviously has other intentions. The five-time NBA champion wants to win. Unfortunately, this current roster lacks talent, depth and a capable running mate to play alongside one of the game's best ever.

Having been around the league for 19 seasons, Bryant knows a championship-caliber team when he sees one. He can probably even determine whether an individual player will mesh well enough with the rest of the team to boost the potential of his Lakers.

General manager Mitch Kupchak has the final say in most discussions when they pertain to roster construction, but rest assured that Bryant's words will be heard during the offseason:

Recruiting is now a common occurrence when big-ticket players hit the free-agent market. One could argue that it all started when Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James simultaneously recruited each other to form the Big Three for the Miami Heat, and it is something that has continued since.

Los Angeles even tried recruiting last offseason, when Anthony was a free agent. He ultimately re-signed with the Knicks.

But now the stakes have changed. Bryant is entering the final year of his contract, the termination of which will likely lead him into retirement. Players might want to take advantage of playing with the Black Mamba before he hangs 'em up. Winning a championship in his final season wouldn't be a bad deal, either.

Which players might be in the discussion for L.A.? Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding heard about a few names, as well as a definitive strategy that the team will likely abide by this offseason:

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Even if top unrestricted free agents such as Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and Rajon Rondo (or restricted free agents Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green) don't want to come to the Lakers or switch teams at all this summer, the Lakers do plan on upgrading the roster in some meaningful way.

"

Rondo and Green make a ton of sense for Los Angeles given the weaknesses the team has at point guard and small forward, respectively. Its interest in Gasol or Jordan will likely be determined by how confident Bryant and upper management are in Julius Randle and Tarik Black entering next season.

The fact that it appears the Lakers already realize that a "meaningful" upgrade is necessary should bring some hope to fans who have struggled to watch this team win over the past several seasons. Couple a few smart acquisitions with a presumably high draft pick (the Lakers have to give the pick to the Phoenix Suns if it lands outside the top five in the lottery), and Los Angeles is poised to make huge strides next season.

Of course, Bryant is the key. If he can successfully recruit talented stars to Hollywood, then his Lakers stand a chance at competing next season. If not, then it'll be a disappointing end to the career of one of the best to ever do it.

Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn