Is the Lakers Future Brighter Than Advertised?

UWhen you thought the Lakers couldn't be worse than the 2013-2014 season, people were dead wrong. A 20-56 record is embarrassing for a franchise that is arguably the most dominating franchise in the history of sports.

The Lakers have become a punchline and punching bag for the media and teams throughout the league. At least they aren't as bad off as the New York Knickerbockers.

Through the darkness, there is light.

 The Lakers may not be as far away as people think. With all the bad things that have gone on through the season with the injuries to Kobe Bryant, Nick Young and stud rookie Julius Randle being the main problem. With all the problems, the Lakers might be in a good situation after all.

With all the problems looming throughout the franchise, rookie guard Jordan Clarkson is capturing the eyes of Lakers fans and basketball fans all over the world. A second round pick in the NBA, won’t be handed the respect and hope that many first rounders’ receive.

Head coach Byron Scott has given Clarkson the keys to the team for the remainder of the season. Clarkson is well deserving of that responsibility. The rookie averaged 15.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds for the month of March. He was honored as the NBA Rookie of the Month for the month of March. The 46th pick of the 2014 draft class is looking like an absolute steal and cornerstone to turning the franchise around.

Clarkson should be a for sure choice for NBA All-Rookie 1st Team and top five candidate for Rookie of the Year. 

Randle was picked 39 picks before Clarkson, and is the true piece the Lakers are hoping that will get this franchise turned around. The seventh overall pick broke his leg in the first game of the season. If Randle and the rest of the injured players stayed healthy throughout the season, the 20-56 record could be a bit better.

Honestly how much better could it get?

Losing is the only option the Lakers have this season, and it is the best option. With the record they have, the Lakers are sitting at the fourth pick of this summer’s draft. If they were to win more games, they would lose their early first round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers .

 Thank you Dwight Howard. 

If all goes well, the Lakers could end up with four total picks in the upcoming draft. With a chance for four picks and possibly some top tier free agents, the Lakers future is a lot brighter than it seems.

 If the Lakers are able to steal Kevin Love or Marc Gasol from their respected teams this summer and get a for sure starter in with their lottery pick, along with a few pieces off the bench; we could see the Lakers in the playoffs sooner than we thought.

The Lakers have $36 million on the books for next year. With the salary cap expected to go up to $67mill, the Lakers have a chance to sign a big name free agent or two and some solid roll players. You put Bryant, Clarkson, Randle, Gasol, and say Justise Winslow (hypothetically speaking) as their first pick all on the court together that would make for a strong starting five mixed with young dynamic players and polished veterans.    

I know it’s hard to watch the purple and gold, but fans need to be patient. The light at the end of the tunnel will soon be shining bright once again.