LA Lakers: 10 Moves To Get the Team Back to the NBA Finals

For the first time in awhile, the Lakers have fans wondering what the future holds for the organization.

Will Mike Brown be accepted by players and fans? Will the team make noise this summer with a trade and/or free-agent acquisition?

Despite the sour note the team went out on in this year's postseason, the Lakers have a core of players who are capable of making it back to the NBA Finals, with a few tweaks here and there.

Here are 10 moves the team needs to consider to better their chances of returning to the NBA Finals next season.

10. The Team Has Four Second-Round Draft Picks

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators shoots against the Brigham Young Cougars during the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 24, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The team likely won’t be drafting anyone in the second round of this year's draft who will help them get back to the finals next season.

However, there are prospects being projected as second-round draft picks the Lakers could benefit from having down the road.

Nolan Smith, Chandler Parsons and Scotty Hopson are all being projected as second-round picks.

9. Hire Noteworthy Assistant Coaches

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 12: Head coach John Kuester of the Detroit Pistons leads his team against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 12, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or us

Mike Brown never played in the NBA.

Combine that with the fact he is coaching a veteran, championship proven roster, and it could be wise to hire assistant coaches who have also played in the league.

8. Develop Devin Ebanks

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 07: Devin Ebanks #3 (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers and his teammate Derek Fisher #2 chat during the NBA Europe Live match between Los Angeles Lakers and Regal FC Barcelona at the at Palau Blaugrana on October 7, 2010 in Barcelon

In 2010-11, Ebanks averaged five minutes in 20 appearances, as a rookie with Los Angeles.

Ebanks went back and forth between the Lakers and the team’s Developmental League affiliate.

I would like to see the Lakers work Ebanks into the rotation more next season.

The Lakers need all of the youth and athleticism on the perimeter they can get.

7. The Team Needs a Legitimate Three-Point Shooter

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic against the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 22, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User exp

One of the team’s weakest areas last season was three-point shooting. The Lakers ranked 18th in three-point percentage.

Since Glen Rice in 2000, the Lakers have not had a true marksman on their roster.

Both Jason Richardson and Jason Kapono are unrestricted free agents this summer. Either player would instantly become the team’s best long-distance shooter.

6. Derek Fisher Needs To Be Moved to the Bench

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 06: Guard Derek Fisher #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2011 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO

With the retirement of Phil Jackson, it’s time for Derek Fisher to start coming off the bench.  

This doesn’t mean that he can’t provide the team with quality minutes, especially in the playoffs, where Fisher has proven to have a knack for hitting clutch shots.

Whether it’s Steve Blake, a draft pick or a free-agent pickup, the Lakers need a changing of the guard.

5. Matt Barnes Needs More Minutes

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 22: Matt Barnes #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Willie Green #33 of the New Orleans Hornets in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the New Orleans Arena on April 22, 20

In his first season with the Lakers, Matt Barnes did not quite live up to expectations.

Barnes averaged 19 minutes per game, his lowest average since 2007-08.

Also, a midseason knee injury prevented him from finding a consistent rhythm.

Barnes brings a lot to the table, doing the dirty work that doesn’t necessarily show up in the box score.

Playing more injury free minutes would allow Barnes to show why fans were so excited about him joining the team in the first place.

4. Get a Reliable Backup Center

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The Lakers have been perilously thin at the backup center position the last three seasons.

It would provide some peace of mind to have a backup behind Bynum and Gasol who could provide quality minutes, instead of having dead weight on the bench.

No offense to Joe Smith or D.J. Mbenga.

Samuel Dalembert is a free agent this summer. He could definitely fill the void.

3. Play Kobe Bryant More at the Small Forward Position

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 08: Kobe Bryant #25 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2011 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agre

The new coaching staff will likely be less rigid with substitutions and rotations as Phil Jackson was.

I would like to see the Lakers play Kobe Bryant more at the small forward position.

This would potentially allow the team to build numerous potent lineups, with a combination of starters and substitutes, seeing as it would open up both guard positions.

In essence, the bench players wouldn’t feel as much pressure playing with one another as a singular unit.

2. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum Need To Play Together More

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 08: Forward Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the ground after a foul by the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2011 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, T

Something fans were rarely treated to in the Phil Jackson era was the combination of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom playing together.

I understand the Lakers wanted to prevent a logjam with the three players on the court at the same time, and Odom has provided the team with a much needed consistent presence off the bench.

If the Lakers are able to add some depth to their bench this offseason, they need to play the three players more together.

If for nothing else, to see how the three players coincide with one another for extended minutes.

1. Keep Andrew Bynum Focused on Defense

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 06: Center Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2011 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Before the second half of last season, Phil Jackson and his coaching staff were able to convince Andrew Bynum to focus his efforts more on the defensive end of the floor.

Bynum’s defense in the second half of the season was a big reason why the Lakers won 17 of 18 games in February and March.

During that stretch, Bynum averaged nearly 11 rebounds and two blocks.

Let’s hope Mike Brown and the new coaching staff helps Bynum keep focused on the defensive end.