The Lakers don’t have much to celebrate lately, like GM Mitch Kupchak said, this season is all about Kobe Bryant. The franchise superstar is retiring after 20 seasons and has hit several milestones along the way. During the Lakers 112-95 loss the Rockets, Kobe Bryant became the second all-time leader on an interesting list.
NBA: Sorry Lakers, DeMar DeRozan Says He Wants to Spend Whole Career With Raptors
It was reported that DeMar DeRozan would likely opt out of the final year of his contract with the Toronto Raptors. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in him but it looks like DeRozan is staying put in the 6.
NBA: Lakers Interested in DeMar DeRozan When Kobe Bryant Leaves
Kobe Bryant is retiring at the end of the season and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for another star. They have their eyes set on Kevin Durant but that’s nowhere close to a guarantee so they’re exploring other options. They reportedly are also considering Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan.
NBA: Vlade Divac Reveals He Nearly Blocked the Trade That Sent Kobe Bryant to the Lakers
The Lakers made one of the best trades in NBA history in 1996 – Vlade Divac for rights to Kobe Bryant. Not only did the deal get them Kobe, shedding Divac’s salary helped them clear the cap room to sign Shaquille O’Neal. But Divac – who’d spent his entire seven-year career with the Lakers at that point – said he nearly blocked the deal from happening.
NBA: Lakers GM Says This Season is All About Kobe Bryant, They’ll Develop the Young Players Later
It’s been said and fairly obvious that the Lakers won’t make any major moves or development until Kobe Bryant is gone. Aside from the rumors that free agents don’t want to play with him, the team is focused on the last season of their franchise superstar. Coach Byron Scott has been criticized for benching young players like DeAngelo Russell, Julius Randle and others and letting Kobe hijack the offense despite numerous missed shots; aside from tanking, they’re also making sure the focus is on Kobe’s farewell.
NBA: Julius Randle Defends His Play After Byron Scott Calls Him Immature For Being Upset Over Benching
If the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to tank then hiring and keeping Byron Scott was the right move because things are pretty ridiculous over there. His qualms with rookie DeAngelo Russell and his bizarre benching have been well documented but now the issue is with Julius Randle.
