Los Angeles Lakers Poised to Be Major Players in 2014 Free-Agent Market

Returning to contention may not take as long as the Los Angeles Lakers thought.

Injuries and insufficient talent left the Lakers gasping for air in 2013-14, their playoff hopes dashed and their season lost. Things haven't looked as if they'll be much better next season. The Lakers have cap space, but patience rapidly became a formality. They would wait until next summer before burning holes in their pockets.

Turns out that stance didn't last long.

"We're prepared," general manager Mitch Kupchak said after the NBA draft, per Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
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