If it isn’t apparent by now, the most practical way that the Lakers can successfully fill or exceed the potential void that will be left at the lead guard position by season’s end will be through a major trade. However, with Kobe, Derek, D.J., Josh, Jordan, Adam, and Shannon all becoming free agents this summer, the most viable trade bait that we could be left with is Sasha’s expiring contract, barring any sign and trade deal that could take place.
Assuming that we don’t also lose Phil after this season, the Lakers will hopefully still be running the triangle offense during the remaining years we have left before our current championship window closes. If that is the case, Derek has played the majority of his career under the system and can execute it in his sleep, which should also be the case by now for Jordan. Shannon seems to have seamlessly grasped the cues of the offense and is only going to get better. Although the triangle does not require a more traditional point guard, the system does take a couple of years to learn and thrive within so unless we miraculously acquire an elite lead guard, the learning curve element will be a factor to consider.
My personal opinion is that we should resign Farmar and give him a fair chance to prove himself as a starter. Fish should be resigned as well to a two-year reduced salary and also be given a reduced role. Whether or not he obliges is solely up to him. Shannon has a player option, which I believe that he will accept and stay with the Lakers for at least another year.
Like I said though, there are way too many variables in this situation that make it impossible to anticipate exactly how this will all play out. What we do know is that the free agent crop of point guards to be available this summer is not impressive enough for any one candidate to gloriously stand out above the rest or even the players we’ve talked about thus far. You also don’t learn how to play with Kobe Bryant overnight – it takes time. We cannot afford to lose a year or two for the sake of a mediocre point guard trying to adapt their game to the Mamba’s.
Good luck to you Mitch Kupchak. I will not envy your job this off-season.
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