The odds of the Los Angeles Lakers winning next season's NBA title dropped after Dwight Howard agreed to sign with the Houston Rockets. Despite the loss, Kobe Bryant thinks the Lakers can make a championship run without Howard. Meanwhile, the Lakers are beginning to prepare for what looks like a busy summer in 2014.
Los Angeles became doubtful last week of its ability to sign Howard. ESPN sources continued to claim that Howard felt frustrated with coach Mike D'Antoni and had reservations about sharing the spotlight with Bryant. Unsold on the Lakers' future, Howard chose Houston, where he believes he has the best chance to win championships and be the star.
While, on paper, the loss of Howard puts a damper on Bryant's immediate title aspirations, the 34-year-old guard isn't fazed. He believes with a few roster tweaks his team can return to the NBA Finals.
"Personally I'd keep Metta and make a run with the unit we have and just add a few pieces," Bryant tweeted on Monday.
Metta World Peace opted to play out the final year of his contract with the Lakers. While salary cap space puts him at risk to be waived by the amnesty provision, Bryant wants to see the veteran return.
Howard's departure also was advantageous for Pau Gasol, who will find a home in D'Antoni's offense by taking over at center.
That leaves the "few pieces" left. Los Angeles began to bolster its depth shortly after Howard's defection to Houston. Center Chris Kaman signed with the Lakers on Monday. The team is also "close to signing" its former 2011 Sixth Man of the Year, according to US Weekly. Odom, who won two titles with the Lakers from 2009-10, played some of his best basketball with the Lakeshow and wants to return.
Letting Howard walk will free up significant cap space. Although the Lakers are likely to add a few more pieces to the roster, the organization's main focus is getting its finances under control in preparation for next summer.
LeBron James headlines next year's potential crop of free agents. James has an early-termination clause in his contract after this season, and he could choose to leave Miami as it becomes more difficult, if not impossible, for the team to field a competitive roster (see: "repeater tax"). Assuming he wants to bolt to Los Angeles is a stretch, but the Lakers do have prestige, an alluring market and the money to pay him.
Both Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire also have early-termination clauses in their contracts with the New York Knicks, but there's no indication either is considering changing towns - they both wanted to play in New York City.
Next summer's free agent list includes (via ESPN): Zach Randolf (UF), Dirk Nowitizki (UF), DeMarcus Cousins (RF), Rudy Gay (PO), Luol Deng (UF), John Wall (RF) and most of the Miami Heat team.
The likelihood of the Lakers acquiring one of the aforementioned free agents varies from player to player. After next season, the Lakers have only Steve Nash's contract on the books. Although Bryant is likely to sign an extension with the team, the Lakers still should have enough cap flexibility to make a big splash in next summer's free agency.
