Will Kobe Bryant's Exit Make LA Lakers a More Appealing Free-Agent Destination?
Once upon a time, the Los Angeles Lakers were the most beloved destination for the shiniest NBA stars. Late owner Dr. Jerry Buss treated summers like a stress-free spa retreat, where weaknesses were replenished and muscles were flexed.
But the past three offseasons ran counter to history.
Since 2013, the Lakers have been spurned by Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Monroe, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan and a few other high-profile players.
Why?
Losing is the most obvious factor. Their record since Howard left in 2013 is 50-131. Eventually, they’ll have to forfeit a first-round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, too, which could hinder an organic turnaround.
Through it all, the common denominator was a stewing Kobe Bryant and his monstrous two-year, $48.5 million contract. An annual salary that bloated is usually reserved for true franchise-altering talent, not aging heroes on the edge of a physical breakdown. The money obliterated all of Los Angeles’ financial flexibility, and Bryant’s persona—that of an unapologetic rattlesnake—scared off players who’d rather gleam than serve.
But Bryant and his contract will officially disappear this summer. It’s an opportunity for the Buss family and general manager Mitch Kupchak to build whatever type of roster they want—whether it be around D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle’s collective skill set, or with a max-level player (or two) at the core.
They have as clean of a sheet as any team in the league. According to Basketball Insiders, Lou Williams’ $7 million salary is the highest guaranteed deal on their books next season. (Clarkson is a restricted free agent this summer, but his cap hold is only $1.18 million, which would allow the Lakers to sign outside players before taking care of the 23-year-old’s next deal, should they choose to keep him.)
Not only will the Lakers have enough room for two max-level contracts, but they can also pitch free agents on becoming the next face of one of the most successful brands in professional sports.
If they want to sign two of the following names, they can afford it: Kevin Durant, Hassan Whiteside, Nicolas Batum, DeMar DeRozan, Al Horford and Timofey Mozgov. And as far as basketball situations go, the Lakers are far more palatable sans Bryant’s cartoonish penchant for hero ball.
Despite their ongoing drought, one longtime agent who wished to remain anonymous is bullish on L.A.’s ability to draw impact players.
“The Lakers have great resources, they’re committed to being a championship contender, and they treat their players well,” he told Bleacher Report. “Players like playing in big markets…the Lakers will not have a problem attracting free agents.”
Another agent who chose not to elaborate on why Bryant’s exit might positively affect L.A.’s pursuit of impact players didn’t refute the notion, either.
For obvious reasons, the Lakers organization won’t publicly admit that Bryant’s departure may very well increase their odds of reeling in targeted fish. During a press conference before the Lakers lost to the Indiana Pacers last Sunday, Kupchak spoke mostly of financial relief when asked how his job as general manager changes knowing Bryant won’t return:
"Now that we don’t have to deal with speculation and try to predict what may or may not happen for the remainder of the year, we know with certainty what our (salary) cap situation will be should we decide not to do anything until July 1. That part of it’s clear and certain.
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The team also said Bryant’s retirement will prevent him from sitting in on pitch meetings with potential free agents—barring they request his participation as a former player, which is possible and has precedent.
In the shadow of Bryant’s announcement that this will be his final season, many around the league are showing deserved respect for the living legend’s harsh downfall. For various reasons, few who were contacted for this story wanted to look toward how the Lakers might fill their cavernous cap space in July and what doors may open with Bryant out of the picture.
But it’s not hard to see why the Lakers might breathe a sigh of relief, especially to those who read ESPN’s scathing takedown on the issue last October:
"Remember Ramon Sessions? In the spring of 2012, after a trade from Cleveland, the pick-and-roll specialist was briefly the toast of LA, widely hailed as the post-Fisher point guard needed to steady the Lakers' ship. Sessions filled the role admirably, for a stretch, before a poor playoff performance. If you haven't heard his name in a while it's because when faced with the option of returning to the Lakers, quite possibly as a starter, he declined.
The deal Sessions signed instead was longer, and therefore came with more job security. But it was to back up Kemba Walker on the Bobcats, who were coming off literally the worst season in league history. Sessions has been somewhat evasive as to why, but he has been quoted as saying it was "definitely different" playing with Bryant. Internally, the Lakers were rattled by his departure and came to believe that Kobe was the key. It meant little as a transaction but everything as a sign of how players with options view this team.
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According to Basketball-Reference.com, Bryant's age, usage rate and minutes are a nearly unprecedented combination. Only nine players are using more of their team's possessions this year. He’s 37 years old, with a frigid field-goal percentage that may soon dip below 30 percent. It’s hard to think of a player whose short-term goals more dramatically harm his team’s long-term vision.
Bryant will be gone soon enough, but that doesn’t mean the Lakers will magically start winning games. Their on-court issues exceed any one player's influence, and outside of Durant, there isn’t one player available this summer who can immediately turn them into a playoff team, let alone a championship contender.
Nothing is guaranteed. At least a dozen teams will scrap for the same prizes when the offseason's auction begins. But the consensus is the Lakers’ chances of luring at least one player who’s far better than anyone already on today’s roster are solid.
Back in July, Kupchak answered a few questions at a press conference about the new players Los Angeles had acquired and said something very interesting about the franchise’s future:
"If you’re asking me when we’ll be in the Finals again, I can’t predict that. I do know this: If you have assets in this business — which is the ability to make a trade, financial flexibility and young players that you think are good players — then anything can happen.
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Depending on where you stand with Russell, Randle and Clarkson, news of Bryant’s retirement could catapult the Lakers into an enviable position. All of a sudden, they have money to spend, a desire to win and a ball that won’t stick in any one player’s hand.
As this era officially ends, another prosperous one may be just around the corner.
Statistics used in this article are accurate as of Dec. 1, 2015.
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