NBA Free Agents: Troy Murphy Won't Make Lakers Fans Feel Any Better

After failing in the Chris Paul and Dwight Howard trade talks, the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to sign power forward Troy Murphy.

Murphy had a rough go last season, but he continues to be one of the league's most underrated players...at least offensively.

Two seasons ago, he averaged 14.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 three-pointers with the Indiana Pacers. He also had similar averages when he started out with the Golden State Warriors. He's one of the best rebounders in the game.

But while Murphy's signing is a nice boost, giving the Lakers more rebounding and the ability to stretch the floor, he's not what Lakers fans want...or need.

Not only have the Lakers failed to trade for Paul or Howard this offseason after a disastrous playoffs last season, they also shipped reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks, who ended their campaign last season.

Power forward Pau Gasol, while still a solid player, completely fell apart in the playoffs. Center Andrew Bynum lost his cool, and the Lakers' point guards weren't able to keep up with anyone.

You add the fact that star Kobe Bryant is aging and you have a problem on your hands.

Lakers fans hope that this isn't all that the Lakers are doing to rebound this season. So far, questions have arisen about management, particularly executive Jim Buss.

At this time, the Lakers should be going all out trying to find pieces to complement Bryant before he retires in the near future. Not only have they failed to make significant changes, they've frustrated Bryant in the process.

Murphy is a nice signing, but there's much more work to do in Lakers Land.