Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant has been named to the 2013 All-NBA first team, the NBA has announced. Bryant is joined by Chris Paul, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. This will be the eleventh time that Bryant will receive All-NBA first team honors, and the eighth straight season. Bryant has tied the NBA record for most first team selections. Bryant averaged 27.3 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting while also tying a career-high with 6 assists per game. He also had a career-high .504 effective field goal percentage. His offensive brilliance through the 2012-2013 season was on clear display as he took the reigns as both primary scorer and facilitator within the offense, especially while both Steve Nash and Steve Blake dealt with health issues, and he once again notched a first team nod from the league. Dwight Howard was the only other member of the Los Angeles Lakers to be named to an All-NBA team, making the third team. This will be the first time since 2007 (All-NBA third team) that Howard was not named as a first team member. Howard battled through injuries through most of the season after undergoing major back surgery and playing through a torn labrum in his shoulder. - Drew - Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN

While the Lakers fell far short of the lofty expectations set for them, that’s not to say there wasn’t any good to come out of this tumultuous season. On Thursday, Kobe Bryant was named to his 11th All-NBA team as he joined LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, and Chris Paul on the All-NBA 1st team 2012-13 All-NBA First Team: @kingjames, @kdtrey5, Tim Duncan, @kobebryant (record tying 11th time), & @cp3. — NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2013 That makes eight straight All-NBA 1st team appearances for Kobe and ties him with The Mailman Karl Malone for the most all-time. Kobe wasn’t the only Laker to receive recognition as Dwight Howard also made All-NBA 3rd team this year. 2012-13 All-NBA Third Team: @dlee042, @paul_george24, @dwighthoward, @dwyanewade & @jharden13. — NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2013 Bryant and Howard were the Lakers’ leading scorers this year at 27.3 and 17.1 points per game, respectively. Bryant was second on the team with six assists per game while Howard led the league in rebounding with 12.4 a game.

Based off the evidence accumulated over the course of their careers, I have full confidence in making two pretty declarative statements: 1. Mike D’Antoni would prefer to run an offense featuring a spread pick and roll attack that generates easy shots at the rim and open three pointers around the arc. 2. Dwight Howard excels in the pick and roll, is one of the best finishers at the rim in the entire NBA, and would love to get more touches close to the rim. Based off these two statements, from a strict X’s and O’s perspective, the Mike D’Antoni offense and the Dwight Howard skill-set are perfect matches. The goal, then, should be to find a way to maximize what both want to do while both sides show enough flexibility in order to make this partnership work. And if both sides do just that, the results will be fantastic. The bending from both sides is actually pretty simple and straight forward once the noise and bluster is stripped away. From Dwight’s side, he must embrace the fact that he’s one of (and likely) the best big man who can both set a screen and explode to the basket for a strong finish. He possesses a gigantic upper body and sets impressive screens when he commits fully to them. He also possesses unique athletic ability, with quick feet, excellent leaping ability, and good enough hands to make a variety of catches and then finish at the rim. Dwight must simply understand that in any offense he plays in his coach is going to ask him to set crushing screens and then get to the front of the rim to make himself available to score the ball. He’s simply too proven a player at this skill for it to not be a feature of the offense for any team he’s on. From D’Antoni’s side, he must reinforce the idea that not every three point shot is a good one and that a look inside to his big man (be it Howard or Gasol) is a mandatory part of the offense. All too frequently offensive possessions unfolded this way: Lakers run a pick and roll with Dwight, the defense rotates away from the wing to clog the paint to take away Dwight’s dive, the ball goes to the wing and a three pointer is launched without nary a look inside to Dwight who is battling for position. Simply put, this must change. One of the ways to maximize the roll man is to roll him into post up chances. The Grizzlies do this with Zach Randolph all the time. If you go back to what made Dwight such a terror in Orlando, you’ll find that they explored this option of the offense quite often. The Lakers’ wings need it drilled into them that a look to the diving player into the post is a great option that needs to be explored more often. Their are other issues beyond the X’s and O’s at play in order to make a Dwight and D’Antoni marriage work. If you believe recently surfaced reports, there are hurdles to clear in the form of better communication and the player leadership hierarchy also needs addressing. However, winning often cures a lot of these ills. And the way to win is to maximize the talent you have on the floor and for the players to embrace their roles with full buy in. In order for this to occur with the Lakers, both the star big man and the head coach will need to be better at their jobs next season than the one that was just completed. And, actually, this will need to be true whether Dwight returns or not. Because, like it or not, if Dwight actually goes to Houston he’s going to find a very similar scheme under head coach Kevin McHale as he sees in Los Angeles under Mike D’Antoni. And if Dwight really is gone next season, D’Antoni is going to find that he still has a big man in Pau Gasol who would love to get more touches in the post where he can create shots for himself and for teammates. From where I sit, both D’Antoni and Dwight would be best off recognizing this now and coming to the realization that this really can be a match made in heaven. They only

The Dwight Howard free agency hype machine has already taken off with over a month before his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers even expires. ESPN reported that a "source" revealed Howard voiced frustration regarding Mike D'Antoni during his extended exit interview with general manager Mitch Kupchak, but Kupchak has since shot down the report saying D'Antoni was never discussed. Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News interviewed Kupchak, who went into further detail about Howard, D'Antoni, and more. Medina asked Kupchak how he would "characterize" the relationship between Howard and D'Antoni. Kupchak revealed that he doesn't believe players have to "like" coaches, but simply have to play hard: "But being around as long I've been around, it doesn't bother me when I hear at some point a player didn't see eye to eye with a coach. Players don't have to like coaches. They just have to play hard. In L.A., our coaches get evaluated on wins and losses and not whether our players like them or don't like them. It doesn't matter." When asked about the report from ESPN that Howard was frustrated, Kupchak reiterated that D'Antoni was never a discussion with Howard: "Criticism of a coach did not come up. Our coach did not come up. In terms of the way the season went and our talent, group and players and how they think in general, I would venture to say most of our players felt this was a frustrating season and that they didn't get to show their talents as much as they would have liked to." The full interview is a worth checking out as Kupchak reveals his thought process regarding Howard, his impending free agency, and why he's "optimistic" that Howard will re-sign with the Lakers. - Drew - Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN Poll Do players have to like coaches? Yes! No! I love lamp! 21 votes | Results

Are the Dallas Mavericks looking to trade out of the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft to clear cap space before making a run at Dwight Howard? ESPN reports that "multiple sources" are informing Chad Ford the Mavericks will explore trading their lottery pick for financial flexibility going into free agency: Always a bridesmaid, never a bride With reports coming out that Dwight Howard is considering leaving Los Angeles to come to Dallas, Mavs fans hopes will rise again. Here's why they should all stay grounded. Multiple sources have told ESPN.com's Chad Ford the Mavs are likely to shop the pick in hopes of creating the cap space necessary to make a run at Dwight Howard in free agency. The 13th overall pick has a cap hold of $1,655,300. Earlier in the week it was reported that Howard was "intrigued" with both the Mavericks and Houston Rockets, and will explore his free agency options before making his decision. Howard's free agency begins on July 1. Dallas trying to shave salary to take a shot at a big name in free agency isn't an unheard of strategy for the franchise. The Mavericks have been looking to add a superstar to the team since winning the 2011 title, but missed on Deron Williams last Summer. Both Howard and Chris Paul will likely be targeted by Dallas (as well as every other team with cap space). It's unclear if the Mavericks would be looking to only clear the cap hold from the draft pick, or tag more salary into the deal (Shawn Marion's $9 million expiring comes to mind). With O.J. Mayo opting out of the final year of his deal and both Darren Collison and Rodrigue Beaubois as restricted free agents, the Mavericks will have $37.2 million on the books if they do not bring back any of their players hitting free agency. - Drew - Follow this author on Twitter @DrewGarrisonSBN

That's the sound of Phil Jackson laughing on Mike & Mike yesterday morning when asked "What was your reaction when Mitch told you they had hired Mike D'Antoni?" Headlines Phil Jackson -- Told by Los Angeles Lakers GM of Mike D'Antoni hire, 'I laughed' - ESPN Los Angeles SLAM ONLINE | » Dwight Howard Reportedly Torn Between the Lakers and Rockets Report: Mavericks looking to move No. 13 pick to clear out cap space for run at Howard, CP3 | ProBasketballTalk Stan Van Gundy thinks Dwight Howard wasn't happy with Lakers role - latimes.com Pilot’s Tale Of Lakers’ Near-Disaster Hits Bookstores « NBA.com | Hang Time Blog Lakers News Finishing At the Rim « Lakers Blog Report: Mike D’Antoni will not return as Team USA assistant coach | ProBasketballTalk Blogtable: Dwight and D’Antoni « NBA.com | Hang Time Blog Around the NBA Clippers’ owner basically admits Del Negro let go to keep Chris Paul happy | ProBasketballTalk Carmelo Anthony of New York Knicks has small tear in shoulder, source says - ESPN New York Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs getting MRI on ailing left calf - ESPN Report: Suns get OK to interview Rockets assistant J.B. Bickerstaff | SI Tracking Blog – Tracking MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, and NCAA On Twitter Mike Krzyzewski to return as Team USA men's basketball coach - ESPN Blogs and other links LeBron James teaches Paul George lesson in winning all greats must learn - NBA - Ian Thomsen - SI.com NBA Playoffs 2013: LeBron James keeps delivering for the Miami Heat - ESPN Heat-Pacers: Why wasn't Roy Hibbert in to protect the rim at the end? - CBSSports.com NBA players react to LeBron's game winner - SportsNation - ESPN LeBron James sells a lot of shoes… but not as many as Jordan | ProBasketballTalk Chris Andersen complements Heat’s Big Three so well | ProBasketballTalk Paul George introduces himself too much of America with a breakout game… that got overshadowed | ProBasketballTalk This Isn’t About The 2014 Draft For Cavs « NBA.com | Hang Time Blog Multimedia The Forum: Should Lakers look to keep both Howard, Gasol? - Los Angeles Lakers Blog - ESPN Los Angeles The Forum: Contingency plan if Howard leaves - Los Angeles Lakers Blog - ESPN Los Angeles LeBron’s game-winning layup at the overtime buzzer gives Heat Game 1 win over Pacers (VIDEO) | ProBasketballTalk VIDEO: Paul George sends Game 1 to overtime with a circus 3 - CBSSports.com

It's that time again. The time when we try to maintain hope in the Lakers managing the draft process well despite not reaping any concrete rewards from it for years. Of the Lakers' recent draftees, only Darius Morris holds any potential of sticking on the roster past next season and that's only if he takes the next step in his development. Year after year, the Lakers have sacrificed their first rounders for established players such as Steve Nash and Ramon Sessions or just engaged in plain old cost cutting that has come back to bite them in the rear in the long-term. One would say that there's no time like the present to correct this misuse of one of the fundamental resources for talent in the league, but the team only possesses their own second rounder and a late one at that at number 48 to restock the incredibly shallow farm of young talent they currently have. The good thing is that the Lakers aren't looking for a central building block and just need a piece around the periphery to supplement what will still likely be a top heavy roster next year. You can also mostly boil down the Lakers' needs to three things: youth, shooting, and athleticism. Thankfully, the draft provides prospects that meet most of those criteria but not all at the same time, lest they be safely out of the Lakers' range. Of those three, shooting probably is the most important aspect, not only because it's easier to find contributors in that department that late in the draft but since designated shooters have the largest chance of making an impact early in their career. The source of the shooting isn't necessarily important; moving up position groups, however, increases the value of the shooting and the Lakers could especially benefit from a stretch four. Dwight Howard experienced the greatest success in his career with a floor spacing big alongside him and Dwight in turn can cover for the defensive deficiencies of his frontcourt counterpart. Pau Gasol similarly can operate well in a four-out, one-in system that gives him dominion over the low block. College ball has reciprocated in that regard, giving the Lakers several options in the second round for big men who can spread the floor. This noted, the Lakers need shooting period, so whomever is the best prospect is at their spot, they should take them, position group be damned. Those familiar with the draft process in any sport are familiar with the concept of best player available (BPA) and it applies for the Lakers here as it does to all teams. It doesn't mean that needs are irrelevant -- hence why "tiers" are common in which case you have greater freedom than you would relying on a more dogmatic ranking system -- but that most of the time, you take the better prospect and worry about the ramifications later. If the best player on the board is a point guard, for instance? You take him and worry about the fit with Steve Nash, Steve Blake, and Darius Morris later than possibly reaching for someone else at the spot. There are obvious caveats to this approach, of course. BPA is fine as a guiding principle but it should also be tempered with a healthy amount of common sense. The Lakers shouldn't take someone who can't shoot because of how poorly it would play out for that rookie's development on a team that needs spacing for its offense to work properly. Otherwise, the Lakers have few restrictions on whom they can pick and plug into their rotation if they pan out well enough. Future upside against immediate contributors is another discussion; however, when it comes down to it, the Lakers would probably be happy with a draft pick who can stick in the league at this point. In terms of strict positional needs, the Lakers have holes basically everywhere besides point guard, where there's a logjam at the position that's likely to stay put next season, and center, seeing that they have possibly up to four guys who can man the position. Otherwise, they could definitely benefit from someone who can jump in and

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That is the Greatest Of All Time to play for them? He leads the Lakers in almost every category, is a sure bet Hall of Famer and will definitely be the next Laker to have his jersey retired. I know there were so many great players in Lakers history from Mikan to West to Wilt to Kareem to Magic to Shaq and many more that I haven't even mentioned. If not Kobe, who is the best player in Lakers history? And will Kobe come back strong from his Achilles injury? He said 2014 would have been his last season anyway, can he come back strong and have a Ray Lewis, Jerome Bettis fairy tale ending by winning one more NBA title? That is the Greatest Of All Time to play for them? He leads the Lakers in almost every category, is a sure bet Hall of Famer and will definitely be the next Laker to have his jersey retired. I know there were so many great players in Lakers history from Mikan to West to Wilt to Kareem to Magic to Shaq and many more that I haven't even mentioned. If not Kobe, who is the best player in Lakers history? And will Kobe come back strong from his Achilles injury? He said 2014 would have been his last season anyway, can he come back strong and have a Ray Lewis, Jerome Bettis fairy tale ending by winning one more NBA title?

Yesterday, sources claimed Dwight Howard and Mitch Kupchak discussed Mike D’Antoni and his involvement of Howard in the offense. November 15, 2012; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak (left) sits next to new head coach Mike D Today, Kupchak retorted those claims in a phone call with Orange County Register reporter Kevin Ding. Kupchak reiterated past remarks that no player would dictate coaching decisions, saying he “wouldn’t let it go there” in conversations with players at the end of the year. Kupchak also responded to comments made by Phil Jackson that Dwight Howard has little reason to return to a team that doesn’t feature him, insinuating that D’Antoni struggled to do so last year. Kupchak’s response was one you’d expect from a GM, as he stood strong behind his coach. “Our coach’s job is to win games and to feature the strength of every player on the team,” Kupchak told Kevin Ding. “This is a very tough team to pick one player and say, ‘Let’s feature that one player.’” Jackson’s comments came in an interview on Dan Patrick’s radio show. Considering it’s not even June yet, this back-and-forth between Kupchak, Howard, and Jackson is a bit surprising. While the rumor mill is a vicious one, especially in the current Twitter-dominated world. However, with the end of the Lakers’ season less than a month old, one has to wonder how far this could go. What is certain is that the Lakers will likely have changes. This will be a summer full of activity, all of which you can keep track of on The Lake Show Life.