Lebron/Pelinka/Jeanie/Klutch really fukked up last Summer. They let so many quality role players get away...What's so crazy is that it really wasn't the Russ trade that fukked them up...It was letting Caruso, Schroder, Gasol, and Morris all walk for nothing...Had LA just kept those 4 players, signed Monk/Carmelo and let THT walk the Lakers would be in a much better position right now.
G- Russ
G- Monk
C- Gasol
F- AD
F- Lebron
6- Schroder
7- Caruso
8- Melo
9- Morris
10- Dwight
11- Reave
With how desperate Schroder was I think LA could've talked him into taking a 1 yr deal at 10-12m...and Caruso was willing to take less to stay with the Lakers. But of course, Klutch wanted THT to get paid and Jeanie was scared of the luxury tax even though the tax isn't calculated until the end of the season.
There are only two options for the Lakers this offseason...Build a very good supporting cast around Lebron/AD or blow it up.
* Get young players & picks for AD
* Get a young player and 1/2 picks for Lebron (If he agrees to a trade) or just let him walk
* Lets Russ' contract expire
Start playing the sign and trade game for the next 5 years...Sign good players for 15+m per year then offload them for young players/draft picks before the trade deadline.