2011-2012 NBA Season: Lakers Can Still Win With Minor Adjustments

After being destroyed in the playoffs by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers' ability to win a championship with the current core has been in question. Lakers fans have a tendency to go overboard over the smallest of mishaps. 

Many people believe that the Lakers have to acquire more youth and athleticism. That isn't the Lakers' biggest issue. The Lakers need more "ring-hungry" veterans (yes, I said more veterans) and a new starting point guard. 

It is expected by general manager Mitch Kupchak that Shannon Brown will test free agency and probably won't return to the Lakers next season. His replacement has got to be G/F Tracy McGrady.

McGrady still has the ability to score, pass and break guys down off the dribble. He may not be the offensive specialist he once was, but defenders still respect his game. Injures are less likely for bench players, and the Lakers will be acquiring a very "ring-hungry" swingman who is a very close friend of Kobe Bryant.

Acquiring a solid backup center has been an issue for the Lakers since Andrew Bynum's development into the league's second best center. Samuel Dalembert is the perfect fit with his defensive toughness and his nice offensive game.

With his ability to block shots and knock down the mid-range jumper, Dalembert is one of the top centers available in free agency, so there will be plenty of competition to acquire his talents. 

Solving some of the Lakers' point guard woes can be as simple as a rotation swap.

Starting Steve Blake and placing Derek Fisher on the bench will be better for each of their roles. Blake is more of a pure point guard that has a better impact on a game with his passing instead of his scoring. Fisher can score off of Odom's and McGrady's penetration off the bench.

With these additions, the Lakers will be 10-deep in the rotation with Luke Walton and one of their draft picks coming off the bench.