Lakers Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Kobe Bryant's Return and Jordan Hill's Future

Following a 113-105 overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to 13-36 on the season and remain fifth in the Pacific Division while holding the NBA's fourth-worst record. Just how bad is that? Well, some sportsbooks have already removed the team's championship odds from the board.

It's time to look to the future.

Of course, whenever the future of the organization is mentioned, the first name that comes to mind is Kobe Bryant. The All-Star guard was lost for the season after suffering a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, and at the age of 36, many are questioning his ability to return.

Although, let's take one thing into consideration here: Bryant is one tough competitor. He's battled back from a bevy of past injuries, depicted in this incredible graphic from Shahan Ahmed of NBCLosAngeles.com:

With that in mind, a return doesn't quite seem so unlikely.

According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, people close to Bryant already think he's bound to come back for another season, "He hasn't officially said it yet, but people familiar with his thinking are confident he will return for the final season of his contract. He will turn 37 in August and stand to collect $25 million next season."

Even New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is extremely positive he'll see Bryant in a Lakers uniform once again. Here's what the forward had to say during an interview with Bresnahan: "Oh, he'll be back. He's going to prove to everybody that he's coming back. He'll be back for sure."

That's great news for Los Angeles, as Bryant's presence will not only boost the team on the court but off it as well. One of the NBA's all-time greats, he can be instrumental in bringing talent out west. If he's back for another season, he'll play a crucial role in the recruiting process over the summer, according to Bresnahan:

While that will surely be an enormous help to the Lakers during the free-agency period, there's still a matter of the team improving via trades as well.

Currently, the Lakers have their hands tied behind their backs when it comes to striking a deal for a high-quality player. For example, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, "The Lakers have wanted [Goran] Dragic all year, but don't have much to offer."

So, what does the team actually have to offer to acquire some top talent?

The team's biggest trade bait will be its selections in the 2015 NBA draft. Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times reported the Lakers could wind up with as many as four picks in the draft. Basically, the Lakers must continue to lose, the Houston Rockets must make the playoffs and the Los Angeles Clippers must finish with a second-round pick within the 51-55 range.

Keeping these selections would probably be the wisest move for the Lakers, as this team needs to rebuild and find a new identity for the post-Bryant era. However, the option of packaging some selections for a proven veteran will probably be discussed.

Finally, there's the case of center Jordan Hill.

The six-year veteran has been playing well in his increased role for the Lakers this season, averaging 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the floor. Unfortunately, the injury bug recently struck the team once again, as Hill strained a hip muscle.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports elaborated on the injury:

With the Feb. 19 trade deadline fast approaching, it's highly unlikely Hill will play again before that date hits. Although, according to a report from Deveney, there were several teams interested in the center earlier this season, and that interest will remain high despite the injury.

Moving Hill could provide the Lakers with more ammunition entering the offseason. The center could potentially become a free agent after this season due to a team option in his contract, via Spotrac.com, so shipping him to a contender makes plenty of sense.

We'll see what the future holds for the Lakers. While the team is currently in a state of flux, there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel; however, at this stage, one wrong move could be the difference between returning to the ranks of the NBA's elite or drowning in mediocrity for years to come.