Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Moves To Consider in 2011-12

With the Los Angeles Lakers’ dream of a three-peat blown to shreds by a sweep from the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the future legacy of the Lakers will be dictated by the success of their upcoming 2011-12 season. 

The Lakers need a surge of rejuvenation—an infiltration of energetic youth. With key players like Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher and Metta World Peace reaching (or having already reached) the pinnacle of their careers, it’s time for the Lakers to bring in some new faces to the STAPLES Center without purging their entire squad. 

Here are some moves that the Lakers should highly consider as we approach the 2011-12 season...

1. Trade Young Center Andrew Bynum

Although Andrew Bynum is an excellent center and provides a great physical presence for the Lakers at 7’0” and 285 pounds, the 23-year-old has been plagued by injury during his six-year career with the Lakers, which has caused him to miss substantial parts of seasons as well as playoff games.

The Lakers need a consistently healthy center.

2. Acquire Orlando Magic Center Dwight Howard

A versatile, dominating, league-leading center like Howard is just what the Lakers need. Reminiscent of dominant Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal who made the journey to Los Angeles to win three consecutive NBA championships, Howard would be a perfect addition to the Lakers squad.

Not only is the 25-year-old Howard unstoppable with the ball in the paint (giving defenders no option but to foul him), he is also a significant asset on defense, ranking in the top five in rebounds and blocks-per-game. 

3. Trade Point Guard Steve Blake

The hype that was created over the addition of veteran point guard Steve Blake was quickly deflated with his sub-par performance in the 2010-11 season. The 6’3” point guard from Maryland added little spark to the Lakers offense, often missing clutch shots and averaging a meek offensive performance (20 MPG, 4.0 PPG).

The Lakers need a more productive point guard who can also facilitate when needed. 

4. Acquire Phoenix Suns Point Guard Aaron Brooks

Although the Lakers have shown little interest in the restricted free agent from Oregon, Aaron Brooks is just what the Lakers offense needs. The quick 26-year-old guard who averaged 5.3 assists-per-game and 19.6 points-per-game in the 2009-10 season with the Houston Rockets would be a great spark to the Lakers offense, which was occasionally lethargic last season.

The Lakers may choose to wait to address the point guard issue in 2012, when Chris Paul is a free agent; however, a high-profile deal involving Paul would probably cost the Lakers their phenomenal and highly sought-after forward Pau Gasol, whose absence would create a hole in the Lakers offense. 

5. Trade Small Forward Luke Walton

The Lakers have spent too many years waiting for Luke Walton to play a significant role on the team. Although the 6’8’’ Arizona alumnus has had stints of productivity, mostly through his defensive presence and his ability to facilitate offensive plays through precise passing, he has largely been a flop.  

The Lakers need a more efficient small forward to come off the bench and a better alternative to paying Walton $5.7 million to have another mediocre season. Walton is 31 years old now and has yet to project himself as a worthwhile player for the Lakers. 

Small Forward: Matt Barnes

Current Lakers small forward Matt Barnes showed much more in one season with the Lakers than Walton did in seven. Although Barnes is not an excellent offensive asset, he brings an intensity off the bench (particularly on defense) that is vital to the Lakers’ success. With the dwindling talent of Metta World Peace, Barnes may see more games as a starter this year if he can stay healthy. 

Small Forward: Devin Ebanks

Devin Ebanks should also see more playing time in his sophomore season. The 21-year-old from Queens, New York showed some impressive potential scattered through the 20 games in which he played last season. The 6’9” small forward will show his true merit to the Lakers this season. 

Conclusion

With a few tweaks, the Lakers will be set to be a threat to win the NBA Championship. While holding on to key veterans like Derek Fisher while adding a few energetic players like Dwight Howard, the Lakers can effectively rejuvenate themselves on both sides of the court.

New head coach Mike Brown should also add a needed spark to the Lakers with his emphasis on defense.

 The 2011-12 season will be a defining one for the Lakers.