Kobe Bryant recently called out the Los Angeles Lakers' top brass to make changes in the offseason, and team executives are expected to listen to their superstar guard's demand.
The Lakers could land a high draft pick in the highly-anticipated 2014 NBA Draft if they continue to lose games in the final stretch of the season.
Landing a high draft pick could help the Lakers acquire a future franchise player, but LA Times writer Ed Pincus reported that the Lakers might look for a quick fix this offseason after Bryant's recent tirades.
"Patience may be the wise path, but if Bryant's advice is to be heeded, the Lakers would need to scrap some of their grander, long-term plans and act with a win-now mentality," Pincus noted.
According to Pincus, a young prospect will not help the Lakers' cause next season - a fact that could make them decide to trade their 2014 pick for a proven veteran.
"A young player may be the better investment, but a young prospect isn't likely to help propel the Lakers to contender status in Year 1. Equally, a top-five pick could be a valuable trade asset for teams with veteran stars looking for a new home," Pincus noted.
Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Kevin Love was mentioned as the Lakers' most likely trade target this summer should they decide to deal their pick.
Love, who is averaging 26.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game this season, will become an unrestricted free agent after next season, and it is widely believed that he will bolt out of Minnesota.
And to avoid losing the 25-year-old superstar without getting any asset in return, the Timberwolves might pull the trigger on a Kevin Love trade this summer.
"Kevin Love can opt out of his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after next season. Given the Timberwolves continue to struggle on the wrong side of the playoff bubble, Love may look to relocate after the 2014-15 season," Pincus wrote.
Love's impending free agency will not discourage the Lakers from trading their future assets, knowing that the All-Star power forward is also very willing to sign a long-term deal with the Lakers.
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