Realistic Moves I Would Make for the Los Angeles Lakers

A couple of days ago, I compiled an article which gave my thoughts of how the Los Angeles Lakers should manage their team. It was completely fantasy, and for it to happen the Lakers would have to do tremendous and brilliant things regarding their cap space.

With that being said, here are a couple of realistic moves and trades I would make. As writers, these topics are the only real ones we can discuss given the lockout (Let's hope and pray we have an NBA season this fall).

What Stays from the Previous Slideshow

Develop Youngsters: In the previous slideshow, I talked about how the Lakers should develop their young talent. During the season, you heard about rookie guard/forward, Devin Ebanks. It was said he had amazing potential, as well as characteristics which likened him to former Laker swingman, Trevor Ariza. Hopefully he can contribute and maybe one day he will be the future of the Lakers.

Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock were both guards who were drafted in the second round this year by the Lakers. Morris possesses great passing, but could work on his jumpshot and range, while Goudelock can score with ease. Whether or not these players will be with the Lakers, we'll have to wait and see.

Trey Johnson was a very underused player during his late season run with the Lakers last season. This guy can shoot and defend. Assuming high-flying reserve Shannon Brown signs with an another team, Johnson must capitalize on his opportunity of being Kobe Bryant's backup.

And finally, Shannon Brown. We'll get to that later...

Certain trades like getting rid of Steve Blake, Ron Artest, and Luke Walton:

This one's easy. Blake had a poor start and is okay trade bait. Artest has given most Laker fans headache, and Walton is just there. This time, I will be more realistic in trades and cap space.

Retirement:

Let's say goodbye to Joe Smith and Theo Ratliff!

Untouchables

Kobe Bryant: Why in the world would you ever trade the most complete player in the NBA?

Pau Gasol: One bad postseason should not ruin a great career with the Lakers. Don't be foolish, Jerry Buss, and trade away an All-Star.

Derek Fisher: He'll be a great bench player and also, nobody really would want him. He's a great leader and clutch performer, but now most teams want talent and youth.

Now, let the ideas begin.

Acquire Dwight Howard

The Deal: Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson for Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton, and two first round picks.

How it Works: Howard and Bynum are easily the two best centers in the league. They'd be swapping teams, giving Howard a team he can win an NBA Championship with. Plus, the Lakers would get a big man in Anderson who can shoot mid-range and behind the arch.

Furthermore, Bynum would be getting a lot more touches with the Orlando Magic. He would be the first or second scoring option; giving him his "satisfaction." Maybe even Walton would be a backup SF behind Hedo Turkoglu.

The Aftermath: The Lakers would immediately be number one contenders for the NBA Championship. The team gets more talented and younger and would acquire that perimeter threat with Anderson.

The Magic get young Bynum, who's trying to prove he's an All-Star and the next big thing. He can show that with the Magic a lot more than he would be able to in Hollywood. Also, Walton would finally play.

A Crazy Trade That Might Work

The Deal: Rip Hamilton and a first-round draft pick for Ron Artest, Derrick Caracter, and Steve Blake.

How it Works: Hamilton and Artest are two players that both teams want out. With this trade, the Lakers get a SF who averaged 14 points a game and shot 42 percent from the field, as well as 38 percent beyond the arc. And that first-round pick can end up into something special.

The Pistons get an enemy in Artest who has turned a new leaf. This guy isn't the Artest who fought with fans in the stands. This is "Metta World Peace" who isn't that great of a player he once was, yet he can still provide. With the addition of Blake, the Pistons pick up a backup PG who can make an improvement in his game after a lackluster season with the Lakers.

The Aftermath: Rip would immediately become a perimeter threat with Kobe, and can also take off the load for him. He would average around the same points given the fact that he is in a team where he would be the fourth scoring option; but he would still be able to knock some threes because a lot of attention would be payed to the post games of Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol.

Detroit would be able to to start Artest and maybe rank up some confidence for him. He won't be a defensive beast like before, but he can make improve the struggling Pistons team. Blake would instantly fit into the rotation and with good nurturing from Ben Wallace, Caracter could learn a lot from him.

Trade Newly Acquired Ryan Anderson

The Deal: Ryan Anderson gets sent to any team needing a backup PF for $2,444,601 and one draft pick (first or second)

How it Works: Yeah, Anderson you were just traded to the Lakers to accommodate salary cap. Now, were going to give you away for cash and draft picks. We need it!

The Aftermath: That money is desperately needed as well as the pick. Lakers don't need Anderson because they still have Lamar Odom. I thought about trading him but the Lakers didn't really need much.

Resign Shannon Brown

The Lakers would be foolish to let Brown go. He's got it all: Youth, talent, and explosion. He can shoot the three-point shot or drive into the rim and posterize your center. He can work on his defense, but still, he's a young player making mistakes. So with a big franchise team like the Lakers, they should invest in him—He could be the future.

Playing alongside Kobe and learning a lot from him will help him reach a potential we don't know yet. It's best if they sign him for maybe up to three years and see what he becomes.

The Final Lineup

The Final Lineup:

A starting frontcourt of Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Rip Hamilton, with Kobe Bryant and rookie Darius Morris making up the backcourt. This starting five is great!

You, again, have an amazing frontcourt with Howard and Gasol, who will attract double teams and probably be awarded a lot more free throws. With Rip, you get a forward who can shoot and still defend—He will be needed a lot for their three point shots. Of course, you got Kobe. You know what he will do. And finally, a young guard who can involve his teammates and can drive into the paint. He could very well average around seven to nine assists per game with the talent on this team.

The supporting cast includes: Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes, Derek Fisher, Devin Ebanks, Andrew Goudelock, Ater Majok, and Shannon Brown.

So let me know your thought!s Comment below and thanks for the read.