By Ryan Deal ‘16

There is no denying that the Los Angeles Lakers have had a disastrous season. They are 25-52 as of April 8, second to last in the Western Conference, and were the first team in the Conference to be officially eliminated from playoff consideration. The team is currently in this midst of the worst season in franchise history and are in need of drastic changes to turn the team around.

A big reason for the team’s lackluster campaign has been the absence of superstar guard Kobe Bryant, who has only played in six of the team’s games this season. He has been hampered by a knee injury which he suffered in the playoffs last year. Although the problems with the Lakers are more layered than just an injured star, a trade of the 16-time all-star may just be necessary to turn this team around.

Kobe Bryant is heading into what could be his last couple of years as a player. Despite this, there are very few names in the game who are as prominent and important as Kobe. Bryant has recently signed a two year contract worth roughly $48 million. Due to this high salary, many wonder if Kobe will be able to find a team that will take his contract on. While Kobe will certainly take up his fair share of salary cap space there are bound to be at least a couple of franchises who would be willing to shell out a high draft pick or two for the “Black Mamba” just to sell tickets. If the Lakers can swing a trade with a smaller-market team with a bad record to acquire draft picks, it would be highly advantageous to the Lakers in the future.

There is loads of evidence that prove that building your team through the draft works. In fact, the two top teams in the Lakers’ conference have built through the draft themselves. The Oklahoma City Thunder are perennial winners and have three excellent young players in Kevin Durant (#2 overall pick in the 2007 draft), Russell Westbrook (#4 overall pick in 2008), and Serge Ibaka (#24 overall pick in 2008). Although the Thunder fans suffered through two seasons of immaturity and growing pains with this core unit, the Thunder eventually matured into being one of the best teams in the league. The San Antonio Spurs have also experienced success, having won three championships with their drafted core of Tim Duncan (#1 in 1997), Manu Ginobili (#57 in 1999) and Tony Parker (#28 in 2001).

Although the Lakers have a lottery pick for the upcoming draft which is considered to be very strong, it will take more than just one elite prospect to bring the Lakers back to glory. With a trade of Kobe, they will be able to stock up on top picks in the next few drafts.  Also, as long as the Lakers continue losing, top free agents will not view them as an attractive destination, which adds to the hardships facing the team. Although it will be difficult to see one of the greatest players of all-time leave the team he has spent his entire career with, it is a necessary move if the Lakers wish to seriously contend anytime soon.

As Kobe’s career comes to an injury-plagued end, it would be smart for the Lakers’ to start rebuilding for the future, and attempt, if at all possible, to find the next Kobe coming through the NCAA.