Mitch Kupchak should be the most nostalgic person in the Los Angeles Lakers team right now as far as the impending retirement of Kobe Bryant is concerned.
Bryant is set to call it a career after the current season and such is something that Kupchak admits is hard to accept.
What makes it hard for the Lakers general manager is that he has been with Bryant for 20 years, which included two National Basketball Association (NBA) titles. And right now, he seems to be lost on what to do, although he has one directive for the team — win games.
The Lakers are unlikely to make the playoffs and some have even called the team "tanking," with hopes of vying for a potential top rookie pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Although the Lakers may eventually have to go through a lottery, only the Philadelphia 76ers stand in their way.
But all those things will fall into place once Kobe officially plays his last game. By that time, the Lakers can do whatever they wish with a probably $60 million in cap room, as reported by Los Angeles Times, and they can use such on high profile free agents to bolster the lineup.
The young players like Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell, and the recently rising Larry Nance Jr. could be key components of the Lakers' future, although having a franchise player and go-to-guy is still something the Lakers need.
Clarkson has been rising to the occasion but being just in his sophomore year, the Lakers need a veteran presence. Right now, it would not be surprising if the Lakers are setting their sights on Kevin Durant or even DeMarcus Cousins. Right now nothing is set in stone so all moves by Kupchak and the Lakers will likely materialize in the summer.
One bright side that the Lakers can consider is that at the rate they are faltering, there is only one way to go — up. The question is on whether or not such will finally show (a bit) next season.
