L.A. Lakers: Why Time, Not a Blockbuster Trade, Will Fix the Lakers

So far, saying the Lakers are a disappointment is an understatement.

Somewhere inside us, we knew this was coming, when you consider that they are without Lamar Odom, a huge anchor in their playoff success, they have six new guys in their 12-man rotation, they are still getting used to playing with Andrew Bynum, and they have a new head coach in Mike Brown.

You may be wondering now, "What exactly is the point of this article?"

Well, my case is that the Lakers don't necessarily need to make a blockbuster trade to remain on top of the West. Now, a Dwight Howard or a Deron Williams would certainly turn the Lakers into an even bigger contender for the title, but, with the group they have now, the Lakers can still contend for the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Here is the current Lakers' depth chart:

Point Guard: 1. Derek Fisher, 2. Steve Blake, 3. Darius Morris

Shooting Guard: 1. Kobe Bryant, 2. Jason Kapono, 3. Andrew Goudelock

Small Forward: 1. Matt Barnes, 2 Metta World Peace, 3. Devin Ebanks, 4. Luke Walton

Power Forward: 1. Pau Gasol, 2. Josh McRoberts, 3. Troy Murphy

Center: 1. Andrew Bynum, 2. Derrick Caracter

Now, technically, Derrick Caracter is injured, and Darius Morris and Luke Walton are yet to play this season, so they can basically be taken out of this list.

With this group of players, I say the Lakers can still win the NBA title. They just can't win it currently with the way they play and the way certain players are getting minutes.

Here is my projected depth chart (in other words, the rotation I want to see):

Point Guard: 1. Steve Blake, 2. Darius Morris, 3. Derek Fisher

Shooting Guard: 1. Kobe Bryant, 2. Andrew Goudelock, 3. Jason Kapono

Small Forward: 1. Devin Ebanks, 2. Metta World Peace, 3. Matt Barnes, 4. Luke Walton

Power Forward: 1. Pau Gasol, 2. Josh McRoberts, 3. Troy Murphy

Center: 1. Andrew Bynum, 2. Derrick Caracter

Now, I know you might be wondering why I'm taking Derek Fisher and Matt Barnes out of the rotation, but I'm not. Players that will split time equally are Darius Morris/Derek Fisher, Andrew Goudelock/Jason Kapono, Devin Ebanks/Metta World Peace/Matt Barnes, and Josh McRoberts/Troy Murphy.

The things going well for the Lakers so far are:

1. Andrew Bynum

2. Kobe Bryant's scoring is high.

3. Metta World Peace is doing a good job as the sixth man when you consider the hole he was asked to fill (Lamar Odom).

4. Josh McRoberts and Troy Murphy are proving to be worthy additions doing all the dirty work including rebounds, combining for more than 15 a game.

Now here are the things not going so well.

1. Starting small forward spot is still undecided.

2. Kobe Bryant has had arguable shot-selection so far.

3. Three-point shooting.

4. Derek Fisher can't guard young point guards.

My new depth charts solve these problems. Splitting time down the middle will capitalize on what each player brings to the table (Ebanks=Athleticism, World Peace=Defense, Barnes=Shooting).

Less Kobe Bryant equals less bad shots from Kobe Bryant.

Next.

With Andrew Goudelock, Jason Kapono and Steve Blake getting more time, they are bound to get their shot in rhythm, and, therefore, get more three-point makes.

Steve Blake is a better defender than Derek Fisher. That's all. Which explains why it makes sense that he should start in front of Derek Fisher when the Lakers meet with people like Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.

So, until the Lakers take the time to figure these things out, they are going to continue to be an average NBA team all year long.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1014971-la-lakers-why-time-not-a-blockbuster-trade-will-fix-the-lakers

Reegie Corona Juan Miranda Colin Curtis Kevin Russo Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson