What Can We Do to Fix the Lakers?

Disappointing may be an understatement in regards as to how the Lakers' season ended this year.  It was downright terrible in every possible way.  Adding more fuel to the fire was some very scandalous rumors (more on that later) that came out of the woodwork after the fact.  What will be done to fix this situation?  I don't know, but here's what I would do...

Quit worrying about bigs.  If the price is right for a Dwight Howard or any other stud big man, then OK, however trading the nucleus of Odom, Bynum, or Gasol really isn't neccessary.  My point is, they don't need to be shopping them around.  Why wouldn't you want two 7-footers, and a 6'10" guy that can play all five positions?  I do see the potential arguments against this thinking though: 

1. Gasol played like crap all playoffs, he sucks now, get rid of him.  Sure it's a lame excuse, but the dude's heart was broken.  If all the rumors were true, it was a nasty breakup.  That would affect almost any athlete.  Do you really think this will carry on to next season?  No way, he probably already has another girl (if not multiple).  Gasol is one of the best bigs in the game, why would you trade that away?

2. Bynum is always hurt, trade his ass!  This one is tougher to argue.  However, every proposed deal for Howard involves Bynum and Odom.  Yes Howard is the best center in the game, but do you really want to get rid of your starting center, and the 6th man of the year who can do a little bit of everything?  What would they do if Gasol or Howard got hurt?  I'll tell you, they would be screwed.  (I don't foresee Joe Smith saving the day in this situation.)  If it involved Bynum and not another big I could see myself being for this trade, but otherwise no.  

3. Surely you could package Odom and some other role players to get a stud in return.  Possibly, but again you lose Odom's versatility, and for argument's sake let's say Bynum does get hurt again, who do you put in the starting lineup?  You better have gotten a decent big in return!  

The Lake Show's bigs are not the problem.  The issue is at the point guard.  Sorry Derek, you have seen better days.  You're a liability at both ends of the floor at times, and you didn't even bring it during the playoffs (not that anyone else did) like you usually do.  I'm not at all saying get rid of him, in fact I have the perfect solution for him.  On the bench.  I'm not talking about being a backup point guard either.  Let him back up Kobe.  Think about it, Kobe plays for 30 minutes a game, and Fish takes the remaining 18.  In a crunch time situation, play small with Fish and Kobe.  This is a win-win for both players.  Fish can be a spark off the bench, hit some spot up threes, and take some timely charges.  That's what he's best at.  That, and he can bring some cohesion and leadership to the bench.  Odom and Fisher the first two off the bench?  I can definitely feel that.

The next issue is who would be the pg?  I like Steve Blake as a backup, and think he will have a much better season this coming year.  They drafted two point guards last night, maybe one will have a breakout rookie campaign?  (probably not, but still a option) They truly don't need a grade A talent here.  Just a solid ball-handler, and defender.  There is enough talent here to make up for the rest.  My only request is that he be quick guard to keep up with the Chris Pauls', Derrick Roses', and Aaron Brooks' etc.  A trade would most likely come into affect here, who knows, but Fisher is not the answer anymore.  I see Blake as a poor man's starter, but with him and Fisher coming off the bench, that's a pretty solid back court.  I don't know who is available to get ahold of, but I would do some looking around for sure. 

Other minor problems I can see needing solved is, don't resign Shannon Brown.  Regardless of whether he boned Gasol's girlfriend is irrelevant.  He has used up his usefulness, and hasn't done anything in the playoffs since '09.  It would help team chemistry and fan support (and to clear his own head) to just let him go somewhere else, and plus he would probably make more money somewhere else as well.    

Try and do something with Artest.  Whether trade him, bring him off the bench, whatever.  There are times when he looks like the most useless starter in basketball.  And did I mention he wants to change his name to "Metta World Peace"?  The dude's off his rocker.  Barnes could be a temporary replacement until a solid SF (I would kill for Shane Battier, but I know that would never happen) is found. 

How about trading the world's highest paid 12th man Luke Walton?  No more Jackson, no more triangle, means no more reasons for Mr. Walton sitting on the bench.  You're fairy tale is over Luke. 

There's a little bit of shakeup here, but nothing out of the realm of possibility.  No major stars moving, just some tweaks on the role players.  I see no reason why the Lakers can't have a bounce-back season, and reclaim their glory.