Well, you guys won't have to worry about that excuse soon because more likely than not, Lou will be dealt before Wednesday and then we will REALLY see what DLo got in his bag of tricks.
On another note, I fully expect the Lakers to sign free agent 6'11" shot blocker deluxe Larry Sanders, who has all kinds of length, can play both PF and C, and has been living in Los Angeles the last few years. I can't wait. The only reason we haven't signed him yet is because Mitch is waiting to see if/when he can trade Mozgov.
For all intents and purposes, Mozgov and Lou should be traded to clear the way for some of the things Luke wants to do with this team. Randle is on the block as well.
Don't be shocked if Mitch decides to send Lou, Moz, Randle, and the remainder of Calderon's expiring contract to NY for Melo and Brandon Jennings. Or a three team trade that sends Melo to CHI and Butler and Jennings to LAL. Jennings played alongside Sanders in MIL and those two played really well together, combining on alley-oop highlight play after another.
I expect this, if Magic is indeed looking to bring in a star veteran to lead this team back to the playoffs. PLUS, the Lakers are so far down in the standings we would still have a solid shot at keeping the top 3 pick even with these new additions. And next year, we will have over $22-25 million to sign more impact players.
DLo
Young
Melo or Butler
Nance
Zubac
Ingram, Clarkson, Jennings, Sanders, Deng, Black, Robinson, Huertas, and MWP
And if DLo still doesn't cut it with a revamped lineup and no Lou Will to hamper his 4th quarter playing time, then Lakers can sign UFA Jeff Teague or George Hill in the offseason (or CP3 if he opts out), ultimately ending DLo's tenure as Lakers starting PG by the time the 2018 season begins.