Any re-build is going to hurt a little bit. And there are big question marks. But if Russell and Randle turn out to be as good as they can be, that's a great start. And if Clarkson can build on his very good rookie season and keep improving.

I like Aldridge, but missing out on him isn't the end of the world. Aldridge will be 30 at the start of the next season, probably doesn't want to be involved in a re-build. And also plays the same position as Julius Randle, who I really want to see develop. If they end up with someone like Greg Monroe, who is 25, and will sign for less than Aldridge, that's not a bad consolation prize, and probably in the end better for building for the future.

So, they will still be pretty bad this year, but if these young players are as good as hoped, they will definitely be improved this year. Not a playoff team in the west by any stretch, but that's OK, just looking for steady improvement at this point.

Then next year when Kobe's contract is off the books and they have $30 million to give to someone who doesn't have to worry about playing in Kobe's shadow, that's when things could really get interesting. Kevin Durant will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and I'm sure will be target #1. If Jim Buss can stay out of the way.