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The Los Angeles Lakers are used to celebrating in June much like the Miami Heat did by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to repeat as champions. What the Lakers are not used to is rebuilding from scratch and that seems like the direction they are going to return to glory.
Last season’s roster was flawed and outmatched against the elite teams in the NBA. Los Angeles was top heavy with aging talent, but had a sub-par bench that was accustomed to giving up leads as the starters received their rest. It did not help that coaching changes and constant health issues led to the Lakers fighting for their lives just to make the playoffs. So, a complete makeover of the roster is needed for L.A. to become a contender once more.
Mike D’Antoni is not the right coach for the franchise. To win an NBA championship, your coach needs to have some type of defensive philosophy. D’Antoni has none. The Lakers have a history of great big men, but D’Antoni’s high-paced offense focuses on guard play and perimeter shooting. How can the Lakers resign Dwight Howard if he cannot get the touches he needs for a coach that does not believe in making him the focal point of the offense?
D’Antoni has to go. It was a mistake to hire him by Jim Buss, son of the late Dr. Jerry Buss, and if they do not bring in a coach with solid offensive and defensive principals, then Howard will sign elsewhere and personally, I would not blame him.
If all it takes for Howard to resign with the Lakers is to part ways with the current head coach, then this should be a no-brainer, but there is no telling what the Lakers’ true plans moving forward and improving the roster are as of yet. What I can tell you, is that between the two upcoming seasons, the Lakers will make major changes to the roster and it will not be long until they are true contenders for another championship.
Haz Bey is Los Angeles Lakers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Haz_Bey, Like him on Facebook or add him to you network on Google Plus.
