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Well, here it goes, my season review. What a tumultuous season. To call it a roller coaster would be an understatement. The more appropriate analogy would be
Denzel Washington in Flight with all the things that happened. The team dealt with new players, the Princeton offense, Mike Brown getting fired five games into the season, Phil Jackson flirting, Mike D'Antoni getting hired, identity issues, a slew of injuries, a valiant run to the playoffs and getting swept in the first round.
The obvious priority this summer is Dwight. He has his faults, but moving forward the Lakers need to re-sign him. He wasn't entirely healthy this season, yet he showed glimpses of his past form post-February. I hope with a summer to improve his health, skills and most importantly his mind, he'll get back to his superstar level.
Beyond Dwight, the roster needs an injection of youth, athleticism, shooting, depth and defense. It's been an issue with the roster for three seasons now and it's resulted in being swept in the playoffs in two of the past three seasons. The problem is the lack of assets to address the issues that have plagued the roster. There's basically the draft, the amnesty clause, the mini-MLE and whatever trade value Pau holds.
The Lakers have a measly second round draft pick, which more than likely won't amount to much. Then again, Kupchak and co. have found gems in past drafts in the second round. But I'm not holding my breath.
Only Kobe, Pau, MWP and Blake are eligible for the amnesty clause. As much money as it will save the franchise, no way they can use it on Kobe or Pau. I guess the popular choice is to use the amnesty clause on MWP, but I think that might be a mistake. He had his ups and downs, but for the most part he was serviceable this season. I know serviceable isn't saying much, especially for a guy slated to make $7.7 million next season. But on such a limited roster, I think the Lakers will have to keep him. I'd just prefer he play the bulk of his minutes at power forward and be moved to the bench. The other option is to use the amnesty on Blake. Once he returned from his injury, I thought he did a nice job getting the team into sets, knocking down threes and pestering opposing point guards. I could see him getting the axe however since the backcourt needs an overhaul. I wouldn't be mad if the team decided not to use the amnesty clause though.
The mini-MLE will be granted to the Lakers. That should amount to about $3.1 million. I think that's a fine yearly salary for a lot of role players, but it's likely only to be a one year deal which will turn players off. There's a few guys I like, which I'll delve into soon enough.
Pau.
I loved what he's done for the team and just him as a player, but it's best for both sides to move on. His defense is abysmal and the rash of injuries are worrisome. The guy is as skilled as any player and he wants to be featured more. That's not happening here, so good-bye. I'd like to get back two decent rotation players that expire in 2014 for him, but it'll be difficult.
Kobe, eh. It's a devastating injury to any player, much less one his age and workload. I don't know if he'll be ready by opening night, but I'm sure he'll rehab like a maniac. Maybe Christmas would be a more optimistic return date. He's going to have to re-invent himself which scares and intrigues me. We'll see.
On D'Antoni, he never had a chance with the fans. With the open flirtation with Phil and what not, the fans were never going to accept him. His demeanor and humor rubbed many the wrong way. His rotations were questionable, but it should be kept in mind the Lakers were fighting for a playoff seed. He couldn't give Morris 15 meaningful minutes and expect the Lakers to come out alright. I thought he did a good job adjusting the SSOL system in January when he went to the Kobe System.
With an entire summer to install the system and get the right personnel, I hope it all works out.
All in all, management will be challenged this summer to improve the team.
(ain't noboy got time for that) 
. Hopefully Jim Buss starts to think with his brain and at least tries to bring back Phil.
