By Gordon Simpson

The 2002-2003 NBA season was nothing short of devastating and even embarrassing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but this has made the team determined to sort out the problems which have arisen from standing still in the free-agent market in the last few years. Looking at their prospective signings it is clear to see that the Lakers could well propel themselves back to the formidable status they gained during their three year run as NBA Champions.

Karl Malone and Gary Payton have emerged as the top two targets for the Lakers, which is no surprise as the two problem positions for the Lakers have arisen at point-guard and power-forward. The performances of Sacramento's Mike Bibby in the Western Conference Finals in the 2001-2002 season exposed a serious defect in the Lakers armour. Derek Fisher is the only point-guard on the roster that the Lakers feel comfortable with putting on the court and with each of the top contenders in the NBA possessing high-quality point-guards it is critical to the success of the Lakers that they secure the services of Payton, especially if Jason Kidd decides to move to San Antonio.

Malone, who is aged 39 and has played all 18 years in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, appears to be extremely interested in making a run at a Championship with the Lakers, providing they can sign the nine-time all-star Gary Payton. Malone, like Payton, would provide an answer to the Lakers' problems. With power-forwards being the cornerstones of the league's elite teams, such as San Antonio, Dallas and Sacramento, Los Angeles has been increasingly exposed in that position. Although Robert Horry has been an incredible part of the Lakers' run at the top with phenomenal clutch shots, great post-entry passes, and energetic defence, he cannot keep players such as Duncan and Webber in check. The addition of Malone would not only improve the Lakers defence, but would stop teams collapsing on Shaquille O'Neal as Los Angeles would have another legitimate threat in the paint. Although the financial situation could prove difficult for the Lakers in signing two of the top free-agents on the market, the lure of success seems to be overriding the lure of money for Payton and Malone who have both already made their fortunes from the NBA.

The signing of Payton and Malone may well have another incredible benefit for the Lakers. There has been a lot of talk about Kobe Bryant testing the free-agent market when his current contract expires at the end of next year, but with the Lakers showing a real willingness to improve, rather than stand-still, Bryant may have extra reason to extend his contract when it expires. Although the Lakers' management seems confident Bryant will not leave, the addition of two respected all-stars shouldn't hurt the chances of keeping him.

Free-agency seems to be heading for a successful conclusion for Los Angeles, but it is not only here that they are making positive moves. The New York Knicks undoubtedly got the steal of the second round of the Draft, but Los Angeles also got a great find in Luke Walton. Walton is regarded as the best passer and the smartest player in the draft, which is a Phil Jackson dream. Although injuries have slowed him down, Walton has had a great college career being one of only three players in Pac-10 history to have reached 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists. He may not be thought of as a future superstar, but he has been given the label of being a player that makes everybody around him better, which is a nice thought for the Lakers and a nightmare for every other team in the league, as a possible line-up including O'Neal, Bryant, Malone and Payton is nothing short of frightening without somebody making them even better. With Phil Jackson and his father, Bill Walton, guiding him, Luke Walton is a great steal for the Lakers.

The positives still do not end here for Los Angeles as O'Neal has proclaimed his intent to improve his fitness for the start of next season, which the Lakers desperately need. Should the Lakers' off-season go according to plan then they will be back to embarrassing their opponents, rather than themselves.