The Los Angeles Lakers are not good. Their current record proves that point to be true. Injuries and salary cap space have taken their toll on the team and things are looking pretty grim at the moment. The Lakers are going to have a difficult time improving the roster with the limited assets and salary cap space they currently have which could lead to some drastic moves in the future if the losing continues. One thing that will not be taking place is a trade of franchise star, Kobe Bryant.
ESPN's Chad Ford was the first to make the argument as the Lakers continue to search for their first win. While the team eats the salary of Steve Nash, trading away Bryant's giant contract at least gives the team room to work with. However, that means trading Bryant, the face of the Los Angeles Lakers. Then Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel made the point that the Lakers would be wise to try and strike up a deal with the New York Knicks which would unite Bryant with his former teammate, Derek Fisher, and former head coach, Phil Jackson. Not to mention the move would former a power tandem with Carmelo Anthony. However, Bryant denies any idea that he is leaving Los Angeles not matter how bad things get.
"I hear the chatter of Kobe should ask out and he should go and play for a contender in this latter stage of his career," Bryant said, via Yahoo Sports. "But that's not what I do. I'm extremely loyal to the Lakers. I believe in fighting through the tough times as well as enjoying the good times. It's my responsibility to get us to be the best that we can be. It's important that we approach that on a day-to-day basis. We can't get discouraged by it. It's a very long season. You just have to stay the course. Keep on looking to improve, keep on looking to get better and things will eventually break. I've enjoyed a great amount of success here. You can't just enjoy the successful times and then run away from the bad ones. No, I don't even think about [departing]. I'm a Laker."
With that out of the way, the Lakers could try and make a few moves to at least help with the injuries that have taken place. The team could target a mid-season move for someone like Tristan Thompson or Iman Shumpert. Both players failed to sign deals at the deadline and will be free agents come the summer of 2015. That could help make up for the loss of Julius Randle. Norris Cole or Rajon Rondo could help with the loss of Steve Nash, although the later would be far too expensive for the team to afford. There are moves the Lakers can make, but trading Bryant will not be one of them.
