Los Angeles Lakers

2012-13 Statistics:  33.8 MPG 13.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.2 BPG, .466 FG%, .702 FT%, 33 games missed due to injury Season Recap: The seven-foot Spaniard had his worst statistical season as a Laker in terms of points, rebounds, and shooting percentages, but some of that may have been due to injury or to early unfamiliarity with Mike D’antoni’s offense. In November and December and the early weeks of Mike D’antoni’s tenure, Pau Gasol seemed to be on the wrong end of an offensive experiment. He found himself attempting more mid-range jumpers than ever before and even a handful of threes for a short while. That’s not who Pau Gasol is. He’s a crafty, skilled post player on the low block. Pau Gasol’s efficiency increased as the Lakers began to use him in the same ways that he is accustomed. In January, Pau Gasol didn’t look quite like himself. He suffered a concussion and missed five games. Soon after returning, Mike D’antoni decided to play Pau Gasol off the bench and start Earl Clark instead. Clark took the world by storm and played really well, but you have to wonder if that hurt Pau Gasol emotionally. Pau had started 345 games for the Lakers and now was being asked to play a bench role behind someone who barely made it off the practice squad?  Gasol still hadn’t fully figured out his role in the new Lakers offense at the time that he went down with plantar fascia. He missed six weeks with this injury. When he returned, he actually looked like the Pau of old. He was scoring efficiently, rebounding well, and passing spectacularly for a big man. The biggest concern with Pau Gasol as a whole this season was how he was on the floor with Dwight Howard. He had never had a real issue in a dual big man lineup with Andrew Bynum. Heck, they won two championships together. But with Dwight, it was different. The defensive spacing seemed off the whole year with both big men on the floor, and the defensive numbers were terrible when they shared the court. It was not uncommon to see miscommunication leading to wide open lay-ups off of pick-and-rolls. There were flashes of great ball movement between them offensively, but that was the exception–not the trend. Mike D’antoni even said it himself: The Lakers were best with only one of them on the floor. Unfortunately, they are both high enough caliber players that they needed to share the court during a portion of every game. 2013-14 Forecast: Who knows what’s in store for Pau Gasol next season? How will he respond from knee surgery this off-season? Will he return to the Lakers? Will they trade him? Will they amnesty him? If Pau stays, will Dwight stay too? There are questions surrounding everything for Gasol next season and his future is in total flux. I’d prefer that they get rid of him. Don’t get me wrong, I love Pau, but he doesn’t seem like a great fit with Dwight Howard, the most talented young player on the Lakers and the likely cornerstone of the future of the franchise. I’d prefer to trade him and get Josh Smith or another younger and smaller athletic power forward who can stay out of the paint and let Howard control the game and do his own thing, without interference from any of his teammates. If Pau Gasol stays on the Lakers, with Dwight Howard, and the team is composed similar to the way it is now, I’d expect him to play more of a facilitating role like he did in the waning weeks of this past season. Gasol is an excellent decision maker at the high post and had six games with at least 9 assists, including the playoffs, after returning from injury. Defensively, it’s going to be difficult. He’ll need to communicate with Dwight more and develop better chemistry during training camp so they are on the same page in terms of assignments and roles on defense during the actual season. Highlights: This is a clip from Pau’s triple-double against the Warriors near the end

“I’ll push myself to exhaustion.” If there’s one characteristic that defines Kobe Bryant’s career it is the work he has put in to become the player he is. As much as he’s been gifted his physical characteristics and that innate feel for the game that all the greats have, he’s also honed his skills through thousands of hours of hard work and made himself into the player he is. In a way, it’s that drive to be the best and the subsequent work it has inspired that has separated him from many of his contemporaries. Kobe will need to call on that ethic now more than ever in staring down his latest challenge. His rehabilitation from his torn achilles tendon is the one of, if not the, biggest obstacles he’s faced in his career and in order to come back anywhere near the player he was before before the injury, he’ll need to push himself to levels that I can’t even imagine. Whether he can actually achieve this goal remains an open question, but if there’s one player who we can’t doubt will push himself that extra mile it is Kobe. After all, his career has been built on putting in that extra time and, as the video shows above, vigorously working to become the player we’ve seen for 17 years.

Jun 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) celebrates with the Bill Russell mvp trophy after winning the NBA championship in game five of the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports With Dwight Howard taking a breath of fresh air before making his ‘decision’ and Kobe Bryant climbing an uphill battle against an Achilles injury, there’s no telling if either of them will be suiting up for the Lakers in 2014. What we do know, however, is that Steve Nash is currently the only contract on the books for the Lakers in 2014. With that, I’d like to take a look at a few of the biggest names on the market in 2014 which the Lakers could potentially pursue. Never to early too start looking ahead, right? Lebron James So it’s far-fetched, but the best basketball player in the world will be hitting the market in 2014. For whatever reason, there’s mumblings around the web that he’ll reunite with the Cavaliers – which I’m not seeing the validity in myself. Adrian Wojnarowski doesn’t either. Be that as it may, James could either be in the midst of a dynasty with the Heat in 2014, or on a team losing steam with the inevitable decline of Dwyane Wade. Should it be the latter, we could see the big three in Miami go their separate ways. Carmelo Anthony We’re dealing with a double-edged sword here. Melo is a supreme talent and an elite scorer in the league, no one can deny that. But on that same token, there are serious questions surrounding his ability to lead a team to a title. Even so, LA would probably be in a better position to surround him with talent – mostly because their pockets have no conscience. Rudy Gay Gay will be 28, entering his prime and ready to get the hell out of Toronto in 2014. No offense, Toronto. While Gay has never shed his label as a borderline star, he’s the type of player that could settle into a Robin role – with some Batman upside. The Grizzlies ascent to the Western Conference Finals in his departure is a little concerning though. DeMarcus Cousins (restricted) We’ll toss in a few restricted free agent because the Lakers are never afraid to overspend for mediocre talent. Alright, so you can overlook the ‘mediocre talent’ bit with this guy, his ceiling is one of the highest you’re likely to come across. On the other hand, he’s kind of a head case. It’ll be interesting to see how that crazy/upside scale grades out in a couple of years. Eric Bledsoe (restricted) With Chris Paul in town, Bledsoe is second fiddle and only biding his time till he can get out of a Clippers uniform. And while it’s likely the Clips will try to move him before he skips town, we can only hope that he finds his way to the Lakers. Mark my words, this kid will be elite. Honorable mentions: Evan Turner (restricted), Kyle Lowry, Danny Granger, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. Be sure to “LIKE” the Lake Show Life’s facebook page for up-to-date Lakers news and analysis right from the comfort of your news feed.

Apr 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phil Jackson looks on as the jersey of Los Angeles Lakers former player Shaquille O Tell us how you really feel. Phil Jackson is making a lot of headlines in the last 24 hours; from his " target="_blank">comparison of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to recalling how the Lakers basically screwed him out of a return to LA on the “Tonight Show”- my words, not his. “Tell us what actually happened,” asked Jay Leno. To which – after a hearty chuckle – Jackson replies, “How long is this show?” Tell me that doesn’t adequately sum up the Lakers season. Wait, we are still calling it a season, right? The worst part is where Jackson recollects how Jeanie, his fiance and sister of Jim Buss, came to him and said, “Will you talk to my brother?” The next day Jackson sits down with Jim, who mind you is doing this as a favor to his fiance, and says, “I can coach this team, I have no doubts about that it. Physically I’m okay but I don’t know if I’m ready to step back into this. Give me a weekend to think about it.” That Sunday, Phil gets a call from Jim in the middle of the night saying, “We’ve hired another coach, Mike D’Antoni.” There are not words I could use to describe how incredibly sickened I am to hear this first hand from Jackson. Well, I mean I could – it just wouldn’t be all that pleasant. Be sure to “LIKE” the Lake Show Life’s facebook page for up-to-date Lakers news and analysis right from the comfort of your news feed.

June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports With the NBA draft nearing, the writers here at Lake Show Life offer their thoughts on three prospects they feel the Lakers should select 48th overall. Who should the Lakers draft with the 48th overall selection? Skyler Gilbert: ? Vander Blue/SG/6-5/Junior/Marquette Blue was a solid guard for Marquette this year, a school that has produced NBA-caliber guards in the past (Dwyane Wade, Wesley Matthews, Jimmy Butler). He was a great defender and, although his offensive game is still raw, came alive in the NCAA tournament, scoring 18.3 PPG in four games ? BJ Young/SG/6-3/Sophomore/Arkansas Young was an Arkansas Razorback last season. He was a great scorer in the SEC and one of the best fast-break offensive players in the whole nation. ? Ricky Ledo/SG/6-6/Freshman/Providence Ledo was a freshman for Providence last year, but was forced to sit out the whole season due to academic issues. As a high school player, Ledo used his 6’7 length to be a high-effort defensive force who can get his fair share of steals. Fern Rea: ? Glen Rice Jr./SG/6-5/Junior/Georgia Tech Rice Jr. is a perfect size to play the 2 guard position in the NBA at 6’5 and 206 pounds. Rice Jr. possesses a similar shooting touch from the outside as his father, but is a little more athletic and a great finisher around the rim. Rice Jr. scoring prowess would be a great find in the second round and fill a need for outside shooting help for the Lakers. ? Rodney Williams/SF/6-7/Senior/Minnesota The Lakers are in desperate need of youth, speed and athleticism; Rodney Williams fills all of those needs. Williams is an athletically gifted 6’7 wing player with a lengthy 6’10 foot wingspan. Williams’ tremendous athletic ability allows him to be a strong finisher around the basket and is devastating in the open court. Williams lacks refined offensive skills but his superior athletic ability alone is worth the Lakers taking him with their second round pick. ? Andre Roberson/SF/6-7/Junior/Colorado  Roberson is a 6’7 athletic freak with a good motor. Roberson will be able to immediately contribute at the NBA level as a situational perimeter wing defender and energy guy off the bench. Roberson has upside with the amount of natural athletic ability he possess and has room to grow on the offensive end of the floor. Daniel Nicks: ? Ryan Kelly/PF/6-11/Senior/Duke There’s no doubt Kelly’s recent foot surgery will impact his draft stock – which could ultimately play right into the Lakers hands. He’s the quintessential stretch four and is a solid low post defender. ? Michael Snaer/SG/6-5/Senior/Florida State He never really realized the ceiling many thought he would at the collegiate level. But make no mistake, he’s a creative scorer and knocked down six game winning buzzer-beaters in his junior and senior seasons. ? James Southerland/SF/6-8/Senior/Syracuse He’s a streaky shooter. That’s an understatement. He’s an extremely streaky shooter. But when the kid is on – shades of Reggie Miller. His athleticism also sneaks up on you. Caleb Cottrell: ? Ryan Kelly/PF/6-11/Senior/Duke I really like the 6’11 power forward out of Duke. He is a 40 percent shooter from beyond the three point line, which would be big because Mike D’Antoni likes having a stretch four on the team. I could see him being a step down from Ryan Anderson because he isn’t the best rebounder. ? Pierre Jackson/PG/5-10/Senior/Baylor This kid is as athletic as they come. I have heard someone compare Jackson to a better Nate Robinson. If this is true, he would be a great fit for the Lakers off the bench. He’s a bit undersized at 5’10, but that hasn’t stopped Nate Robinson or Isaiah Thomas. Jackson’s stats in his last season with Ba

The playoffs continue to roll with the Memphis Grizzlies heading for a down and dirty showdown with the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the story continues to be whether Dwight Howard will or won’t resign and how to fill in the gaps around a core group of expensive veterans. General wisdom holds that Lakers need to preserve the ability to rebuild during the 2014-15 season when Kobe and Pau’s contracts come off the books. The new CBA doesn’t give much wiggle room regardless – the upcoming season poses the challenge of fielding a supporting cast through the team’s own free agents, the mini mid-level exception, veteran minimum deals, the 49th pick in the 2013 draft and any potential Pau Gasol trade. Jovan Buha for ESPN’s Lakers Index writes about Lakers under and not under contract and who could fill in the gaps on one-year deals. Drew Garrison from Silver Screen and Roll takes a look at free agent Raja Bell, an affordable veteran who hasn’t played in over a year. The Kamenetzky Brothers’ latest podcast at the Land O’Lakers covers the Dwight scenario and the likelihood that it could be a long summer of waiting. Chuck Schiliken for the LATimes writes about the highest-paid athlete in Los Angeles and fourth-highest in the nation, one Kobe Bryant. Mike Trudell from the official Lakers blog offers a player capsule for Jodie Meeks. The shooter has a team option for the upcoming season for $1.55 million. Finally, a cool article by Alex Wong aka Steven Lebron for TSFJ about Kobe’s musical musings. *** Most of the recent stories about Derek Fisher have centered on his continuing quest to win one more ring. With the Thunder now embarking on their summer vacation, Fish’s last best shot may have passed. He’ll be 39 in August and will no doubt continue to be a free agent news item until he finally makes it official and hangs them up for good. The reports of Billy Hunter’s new lawsuit against Fish and other interested parties brings us back to a different but all too familiar saga. Hunter is seeking to prove in a court of law that Fisher circumvented the bounds of his own contract by negotiating secretly with handpicked NBA owners. There’s a couple obvious hurdles that Billy Hunter has to cross. For starters, the NBA lockout and resulting negotiations were hardly a matter of secrecy. The whole mess was covered in excruciating detail not only by sports outlets but by the national media on whole. The players association was joined in its efforts by some of the heaviest hitters in the fields of mediation and litigation, namely George Cohen and David Boies. The association ultimately disbanded and filed anti-trust suits which achieved the desired result of forcing the owners back to the bargaining table. Whether the final agreement was good for the players or the NBA in general is debatable. One of the linchpins of the case however, is a claim that an unnamed NBA player and his representative called Hunter on October 27, 2011 to apprise him of a backdoor agreement between Fisher and certain owners. Does Billy Hunter have a winnable case? Probably not but the Machiavellian quest for revenge and redemption will continue to roll. Hunter will never again serve as the head of the NBPA but his latest legal action is simply the logical extension of a power struggle with long and bitter roots. There will be parties within the association’s executive committee as well as media members with personal motivation who will gladly keep this thing going throughout the summer and well beyond. This lead-out bumper was actually going to continue along the free agency topic – see how easily I get sidetracked?

Apr 21, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake (5) shoots during game one of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at AT 2012-13 statistics: 7.3 PTS, 3.8 AST, 2.9 REB, .422 FG%, .421 3P%, 45 GP, 13 GS Season Recap: Like seemingly every other player on this season’s Lakers’ squad, Steve Blake was hit with the injury bug early on. An abdominal strain that required surgery forced Blake to miss nearly half the season, When he did play though, he was productive; averaging 7 PPG, 4 AST, and a career-high 3 RPG in 45 games played. Blake was most productive providing back-up minutes to the Lakers starting back-court of Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant. In addition, he was also a threat from 3-point range, where he did most of his damage, shooting nearly 50%.  Blake saw his minutes increase throughout the season, especially with Nash nursing a variety of injuries, and often started in the back-court with Bryant, serving as a sharp-shooter while Bryant played facilitator. Blake moved into a starting role when Bryant suffered an Achilles injury late in the season, but his own season was cut short when he suffered a hamstring injury in game 2 of the first round of the playoffs that ruled him out for the remainder of the post-season (story of the Lakers season; when one player returned from injury, another got hurt). 2013-14 Forecast: Next season expect to see more of the same from Blake. I think he could very well post a new career-high in PPG as his minutes increase due to more trust from MDA, and providing more back up to the aging Nash, and the recovering Bryant. What helps Blake is his ability to play both guard positions, which he demonstrated throughout the season when he was healthy. Career highlights: QUESTION: What role do YOU think Blake will fill next season? Don’t forget to “LIKE” the Lake Show Life’s facebook page for up-to-date Lakers news and analysis right from the comfort of your news feed.

Lakers News Prodigal Son | Forum Blue And Gold Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan: Phil Jackson throws book at Kobe - latimes.com Kobe Bryant is highest-paid athlete in L.A. - latimes.com Former Lakers assistant coach Eddie Jordan on the team's challenging season - latimes.com Possible Lakers free-agent targets - Los Angeles Lakers Blog - ESPN Los Angeles Player Capsule: Dwight Howard | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS Kobe Bryant once took a dip in shark-infested waters, because he’s Kobe Bryant (Photo) | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports Lakers Anniversary: Magic Johnson Scores 42 Points Against 76ers | Lakers Nation 2013 NBA Playoffs Spurs hold off Warriors, advance to West finals - Yahoo! Sports Spurs' Tim Duncan predicts ugliness against Grizzlies in Western Conference finals - Yahoo! Sports A disappointing end for Durant, but maybe a necessary one - CBSSports.com Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Recap - May 15, 2013 - ESPN Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat - Recap - May 15, 2013 - ESPN 2013 NBA playoffs -- J.R. Smith of New York Knicks shoulders blame - ESPN New York Small ball, no George Hill, enough for Knicks to win, stave off elimination | ProBasketballTalk Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks - Recap - May 16, 2013 - ESPN Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder says 'nothing's ever a wasted year' - ESPN NBA playoffs 2013: Lessons learned about Miami Heat as they advance to Eastern Conference finals | The Point Forward - SI.com Pacers' depth of options leave Knicks guessing wrong again - NBA - Ian Thomsen - SI.com Why do the Knicks keep playing Jason Kidd? | ProBasketballTalk Erik Spoelstra will have none of your Dwyane Wade bashing | ProBasketballTalk Grizzlies rest, prepare for 1st conference finals - Yahoo! Sports Lakers Nation Reacts: Should Kevin Durant Receive More Blame? | Lakers Nation NBA playoffs 2013: Paul George making an impact in Indiana Pacers-New York Knicks series | The Point Forward - SI.com Blogs and Other Links Sources: Hawks consider historic hire of European coach Ettore Messina - Yahoo! Sports The Oklahoma City Thunder? Gone till November | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports Lindsey Hunter discusses Suns' coaching job with new GM - Yahoo! Sports McLemore Believes He’s Best Player In The Draft " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog Pelicans' new practice center taking shape | NBA.com Seattle still without NBA after relocation denied | NBA.com Cuttino Mobley looking to make an NBA comeback - CBSSports.com Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas Mavericks plans to take huge pay cut - ESPN Dallas Lindsey Hunter interviews with Suns’ new GM for team’s head coaching job | ProBasketballTalk Brian Shaw to interview with the Pistons? - CBSSports.com Dirk Nowitzki will try to help woo Chris Paul, Dwight Howard to Mavs - CBSSports.com Reggie Miller wants a front-office NBA job - CBSSports.com Kings’ George Maloof enters closet to avoid reporters after NBA votes down Seattle? | The Point Forward - SI.com NBA pre-draft camp's players to watch, including five sleepers - Yahoo! Sports Rip Hamilton: "I was just dumbfounded at the situation" | ProBasketballTalk Nate McMillan interviews with Hawks for head coaching job | ProBasketballTalk There’s mutual interest in bringing Kyle Korver back in Atlanta | ProBasketballTalk Eric Gordon played through bone spurs second half of season | ProBasketballTalk Pistons take next step with Brian Shaw | ProBasketballTalk NBA owners back recommendation to keep Kings in Sacramento - ESPN Sources -- The Los Angeles Clippers are still considering keeping Vinny Del Negro as head coach - ESPN Los Angeles It’s official: Doc Rivers will return as Celtics coach | ProBasketballTalk Thunder enter summer with one big goal: Get healthy | ProBasketballTalk Report: Clippers consider keeping Vinny Del Negro | ProBasketballTalk Reports: Maloofs reach agreement to sell Kings to Sacramento group | The Poin

(Welcome to the 2013 Lakers Summer free agency guide. Be sure to check out our full archive of player capsules, news, editorials, and more on the Lakers free agency period over here.) Raja Bell was a name that was consistently linked to the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2012-2013 season. His contract situation with the Utah Jazz was finally solved, but by the time Utah cut him loose he was disqualified from playoff roster eligibility. The Lakers' expressed interest dates back to November 2012, shortly after Mike D'Antoni had replaced Mike Brown. Updates heated up around the trade deadline. According to sources, the Jazz did not want to release Bell to keep him away from signing with the Lakers. Previous player capsule: Corey Brewer Bell will be a free agent this Summer. He did not play a single minute in the 2012-2013 season, the last time he participated in a professional basketball game was April 2012, 2012, but his name will likely come up in the Summer at least once. The most important factor to consider with Bell is that he will certainly fall into the Lakers' price range at the league minimum. For five months the team was linked to having interest with him despite the fact that the last time we saw Bell play for an NBA team Andrew Bynum was still chucking threes while wearing purple and gold. Anything is possible. Why the Lakers should look at Bell There aren't any explicit reasons the Lakers should look at Bell aside from the fact that he played with Steve Nash and Mike D'Antoni while with the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers should also be cautious of addding a player who turns 37 next season. Other Considerations If the Lakers do consider Bell it will likely boil down to one of two things: 1) The Lakers want extra depth because of Kobe Bryant's injury 2) Jodie Meeks' player option isn't picked up. Meeks has a $1.5 million team option for the 2013-2014 season. If the Lakers decide against bringing Meeks back, they may be razor-thin at shooting guard and could reach for a quick-fix in the meantime. It would be a curious move to cut Meeks in order to make space for Bell to say the least. Our very own Great Mambino had this to say about Bell in February: The Jazz shooting guard hasn't played a minute with the team this year after a series of disagreements with coach Ty Corbin, despite a $3.84 million dollar salary. At age 36, Bell is far past his prime as a 40% three-point shooter and elite defender and now is apparently a problem in the locker room as well. Still, Bell shot 39% from long last season, a quality that's sure to perk up a D'Antoni-led team's ears. Bell's 2012-2013 Season Probably chilling in the Bahamas sipping on daiquiris. Free Agency Prediction Barring the Lakers desperately needing a wing (note: they kinda sorta already do desperately need a wing), Bell seems like a tough signing to defend after the season that just happened. L.A. may not be in position to pick and choose their help, however, as they don't have much to offer by way of contracts. Does Bell at the minimum hurt the Lakers? Probably not, but it certainly isn't moving the needle much either, and this team is already living that luxury tax life. - Drew - Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN Poll Should Mitch make the pitch? Yes No 9 votes | Results

May 12, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) and and point guard Steve Blake (5) react in the final seconds of game seven of the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at the Staples Center. Lakers won 96-87. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Well, at least kind of – if there was even all that much of a debate to begin with. Yes, the Clippers stole Chis Paul and their first Pacific division title in franchise history. Hell, some are even saying that they are “the show” in LA now. That’s cute. Check this out Laker fans.Lol! twitter.com/SteveBlake5/st… — Steve Blake (@SteveBlake5) May 17, 2013 Don’t forget to “LIKE” the Lake Show Life’s facebook page for up-to-date Lakers news and analysis right from the comfort of your news feed.