State of the Cap: Los Angeles Lakers

	Kobe Bryant

The Bad:
In his brief stint this year, Andrew Bynum took another big step towards becoming a very good center in this league. He averaged a double-double with 13.1 points and 10.2 rebounds, blocked 2.1 shots per game, and he made an incredible 63.6% of his field goal attempts. The problem is that he only played in 35 games and when it came time to return, it was delayed longer and longer until finally he missed the entire playoffs. Now there is talk that Bynum wants a five-year, $80 million dollar extension. Are you really comfortable paying that to a guy who has only played at a high level for 35 games and is coming off a lengthy injury? I mean, that is Dwight Howard money, and Bynum is no Dwight Howard. The Lakers will obviously take a look at him early next season to see how he responds before handing over that kind of cash, but it would still make me a little nervous.

The Lakers role players are key, but a few are overpaid. Luke Walton's 6 year $30 million deal could be better spent. Vlad Radmanovich at $30 million over 5 years is also a bit steep, as is Vujacic's 3 year $15 million deal. But the Lakers do have one of the deepest and best benches in the league.

The Future:
Even though the addition of Pau Gasol was a catalyst and Kobe Bryant got all the attention, the real reason for the Laker's resurgence was the improvement of many of their role players. Farmar, Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic, Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, all those guys were giving the team quality minutes and making plays when needed. What's great is that all of those players make about $6 million or less per year so they are earning their pay very well. Vujacic, Fisher, and Radmanovic all shot over 40% from the three point line. That really spreads the floor for Kobe's drives or gives Gasol and Odom more room to work down low. Nearly every important player on this team is signed for at least the next two seasons, which means the Lake Show won't be canceled anytime soon.

Phil Jackson has two more years on his contract and isn't getting any younger. Could these be the final two seasons for the Zen Master?

The only notable player not under contract after next season is forward Lamar Odom. There is no doubt that Odom can still play excellent basketball and fill up a box score, as his 14.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists will attest. However, at $14.5 million, he definitely isn't cheap. With the Bynum extension looming, is Odom worth going sky high above the luxury tax line? His expiring contract and usable skills could fetch them the star point guard they have been looking for. If he does stay with the team, hopefully they can convince him to take a little less to remain with a contender.

Compared to last summer, it's been a much quieter off-season for the Lakers.


Free Throw:
As with any great team, it is difficult to keep the roster together year after year due to free agency. This summer, LA lost an enjoyable, high-energy big man when Ronny Turiaf signed with Golden State. They probably would have had to overpay to keep him, but the Lakers will miss him on their bench.