5 offseason moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make

most disastrous seasons</a> in <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/los-angeles-lakers/">Los Angeles </a>Lakers history. A campaign that started with the promise of three superstars ends without the team even finishing in the top ten of the Western Conference and qualifying for the Play-In Tournament.</p> <p>The Lakers will always be near the center of the NBA universe, so their failure this season is as big of a story as some of the teams that will be competing deeper into the spring. The rumor mill will be churning on what will happen to the franchise this summer.</p> <h2>What changes do the Los Angeles Lakers need to make to get the franchise back on track for the 2022-23 season?</h2> <p>There will undoubtedly be a number of changes this offseason, from the roster to the coaching staff. As ageless as LeBron James seems at points, time is running out in his career. The roster around him mostly got older last year, which may have been to the detriment of both the present and future of the franchise.</p> <p>Trying to fill the shoes of the front office is a challenge for this roster, which has had rumors buzzing around each of its players and coaches all season long. There are some clear changes the Lakers need to make to get the franchise back to its glory days, though.</p> <p>What is Russell Westbrook’s future in Los Angeles? What about Frank Vogel? Where is this team’s next generation of stars going to come from?</p> <p>Here are five moves the Lakers need to make this offseason.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_438272" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-438272 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2200,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1345604558.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2200" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345604558.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345604558-768x528.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>5 offseason moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make: 5. Fire Frank Vogel</h2> <p>There’s a chance this move is made before anyone even reads this article. Not all of the bad that happened this season is the head coach’s fault, but he’s one of the more obvious scapegoats in this situation.</p> <p>Even before the team was eliminated, rumors had started circulating that Vogel wasn’t long for the Lakers job. There comes a time when a team needs a new voice, and a team believed to be capable of winning a championship finding itself outside of the postseason is one of those times.</p> <p>The sparring between Vogel and Westbrook over the guard’s role throughout the season was the most notable issue with Vogel. The coach struggled to find the balance between alienating the struggling star and trying to get the most out of his team, leaving everyone’s feelings out of sorts.</p> <p>There wasn’t as much noticeable tension between Vogel and James, but there’s always been a lingering notion that James pulls the strings in the Lakers organization. He wants to win again before his career is over and likely won’t have any issue voicing his opinion about whether or not a coaching change is needed.</p> <p>At the end of the day, it’s a coach’s job to maximize what he has at his disposal. Vogel may have been put in a position to fail this season, but it still seems like he could’ve gotten more out of his team.</p> <p>There will be many names floated for the Lakers job, should it open up soon. People have already been reflexively mentioning <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/25/nba-rumors-quin-snyder-los-angeles-lakers/">Quin Snyder as Vogel’s likely successor</a>, despite the former still being gainfully employed by the Utah Jazz.</p> <p>But the first move is to get rid of Vogel. Expect that to happen soon if it hasn’t already.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_441468" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-441468 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2200,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1364531297.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2200" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1364531297.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1364531297-768x528.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>5 offseason moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make: 4. Find a way into the draft</h2> <p>The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have a lot of draft capital to work with come June. At the moment, they have precisely no picks.</p> <p>The Lakers have often built their star-studded roster through trades and free agency. But with much of the cache surrounding the franchise diminished this year, they may want to start looking to do what most other teams do and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/03/22/los-angeles-lakers-build-nba-draft/">build through the draft</a>.</p> <p>None of the three superstars in Los Angeles came through the draft. Compare that to the teams dominating the Western Conference like Phoenix (Devin Booker) and Memphis (Ja Morant), and the present is the only part of the Lakers that looks concerning.</p> <p>Look at the current Lakers roster. Actually, don’t look at the roster, especially if you’re not a hardcore Lakers fan. How many homegrown players show the promise of being a key piece of the franchise going forward?</p> <p>Talen Horton-Tucker was traded to the Lakers on draft night and has shown promise despite being a second-round pick, averaging 9.3 points per game during his third season. Austin Reaves was a rotational mainstay this year, despite being undrafted. That’s about it in terms of young up-and-comers for Los Angeles.</p> <p>The Lakers have a need for not just young talent, but young, cheap players. More than half of the team’s roster is coming off the books in the offseason and there are only a handful of players under contract for 2022-23, though Westbrook and Kendrick Nunn both seem likely candidates to exercise their player options.</p> <p>Los Angeles may not have a quick fix to make it back to the top of the NBA ladder. Even if it hurts them in the short term, it’s time to start investing in a brighter future for the franchise, not focusing solely on the present.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443700" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-443700 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2124,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1239678698.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2124" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1239678698.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1239678698-768x510.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 01: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the closing seconds of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on April 1, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The Pelicans won 114-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>5 offseason moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make: 3. Convince LeBron to sign an extension</h2> <p>Father Time will eventually temper the legend that is LeBron James. Outside of some injury issues, however, it hasn’t happened yet and James remains one of the top five players in the league.</p> <p>On August 4, James becomes eligible for a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the team. Should he accept such an extension, James would be locked in with the Lakers through the 2024-25 season.</p> <p>Despite the financial restraints facing the Lakers, offering the extension seems like a certainty. This is a team that revolves around stars and has essentially invested its entire franchise into James. They’re committed to him, no matter the cost.</p> <p>Tying James up to that extension will limit the team’s ability to be flexible in terms of spending for the next few years. Without him, however, Los Angeles will lack any direction whatsoever.</p> <p>Besides, James has proven he can still be a superstar, despite his age. James averaged 30.3 points per game this season, the second-highest scoring output of his entire career. He continued to dominate in other facets of the game too, averaging 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game while averaging at least one steal and one block per contest.</p> <p>It may be important for the Lakers to ink the extension as soon as possible. The longer James waits to sign it, should it be offered, the more leverage he’ll have, particularly if he doesn’t approve of the offseason moves the Lakers make. James has given no indication he wants to leave Los Angeles, but it’s imperative Los Angeles doesn’t risk his departure.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_436529" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-436529 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2244,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1345222234.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2244" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345222234.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345222234-768x539.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 06: Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>5 offseason moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make: 2. Bring back Malik Monk</h2> <p>Malik Monk was one of the bright spots for the Lakers, averaging a career-high in points and serving as a league leader in effective field goal percentage during his first season with the team. Bringing him back may not be so simple, though.</p> <p>Monk needed to rebuild his reputation after an indefinite suspension prior to the pandemic and he managed to do relatively quietly, despite playing for one of the noisiest teams. Monk averaged 13.4 points per game in 2021-22, shooting a career-high 47.2 percent from the field.</p> <p>After the Charlotte Hornets declined to extend a qualifying offer to Monk in the offseason, he signed with the Lakers for just $1.79 million on a one-year deal. There’s no doubt that he’ll be looking for an improved contract this summer.</p> <p>The Lakers should have the $6.4 million taxpayer mid-level exception heading into the offseason. That would help, though the non-taxpayer mid-level exception is projected to be for four years at about $44.5 million, according to <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://hoopshype.com/lists/lakers-offseason-preview-russell-westbrook-lebron-james/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HoopsHype</a>. Without the exception, Monk likely won’t be able to get anything close to market value from the Lakers.</p> <p>According to <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10031683-sources-la-expected-to-part-ways-with-vogel-after-season-early-candidates-emerging" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bleacher Report</a>, polled personnel believe Monk could command between $5 million and $10 million on the open market this summer. That might be too rich for the Lakers’ blood.</p> <p>Considering the sheer number of contracts coming off the books (and the fact that a coaching change may be coming), continuity is going to be hard to come by next season. While that’s largely a good thing, all things considered, the Lakers should consider investing in a young player who proved his worth this season.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_443839" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-443839 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1367439309.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1367439309.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1367439309-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 28 (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>5 offseason moves the Los Angeles Lakers need to make: 1. Trade Russell Westbrook, if possible</h2> <p>One could make the argument that the Westbrook trade wasn’t as disastrous as it has seemed through much of the season. Regardless, the situation has become untenable in Los Angeles, warranting a change.</p> <p>Of course, it won’t be that simple. Westbrook will likely want to collect all the money he’s entitled to and teams won’t be lining up to take on the point guard’s contract.</p> <p>The first order of business will belong to Westbrook, whose $47 million contract next season comes in the form of a player option. There’s a better chance Westbrook wins MVP this season than there is of him declining the option.</p> <p>The only way the Lakers will be able to get rid of the contract is to attach some major draft assets to a deal. As we’ve already established, the Lakers are a bit thin in that department, particularly in terms of this year’s draft.</p> <p>Perhaps there is a team in a desperate enough contract situation of its own to pull the trigger. The idea of a swap of Westbrook and John Wall has been floated because there is evidently no limit on the number of times the same players can be dealt for one another.</p> <p>One potential trade partner that has been rumored is the franchise where Westbrook started his career – the Oklahoma City Thunder. The franchise has a habit of clearing salary cap space, acquiring a big contract with big assets, and then clearing the space once more, a la Kemba Walker. The Thunder are expected to have more than $30 million free this summer.</p> <p>There’s a good chance, however, that a trade partner will be too hard to come by and Russell Westbrook will be back next season. Barring a regime change, that may be the worst-case scenario for all.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Jordan Poole breakoutNBA All-Rookie Teams Predictions" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/08/nba-all-rookie-teams-predictions/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/10/offseason-moves-los-angeles-lakers/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/04/08/nba-all-rookie-teams-predictions/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Jordan Poole breakoutNBA All-Rookie Teams Predictions </a> </div> </div><!—pageview_candidate—>">