The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, examines the off-season plans for teams that didn’t make the postseason.

THE PLAN GOING FORWARD

Realistic goals

A big market, cap space and a young core can set you up for success or unrealistic expectations.





In the case of the Lakers, who have not made the playoffs since 2012-13, baby steps were taken this year and a foundation was put in the place. What the Lakers do going forward will be the hard part.

Along with a little progress also come those big expectations. Although the Lakers are positioned with cap space in July, trying to hit a home run in free agency would be the wrong approach. Lakers ownership needs to realize that this team is not close to being a playoff contender and building the team without skipping steps is the best approach.

Fate of Byron Scott

The rotating door of head coaches might make headlines and gain publicity, but it has a negative effect in the locker room and in free agency. In the case of the Lakers, ownership needs to figure out whether Byron Scott is the right man to lead them.



View photos Is Byron Scott the right coach to lead the Lakers? (AP) More

Similar to college recruiting, free agents who commit do not want to be sold on one thing and then have a coach fired or leave for another job in less than a year.

With that said, one could make the argument that if the Lakers do not address their coaching situation, the franchise will be facing the same question next year.

Sell the on-court product

When Lakers management sits with prospective free agents this summer, the selling point needs to focus on the on-court product. As we saw last July, selling the L.A. brand might get your foot in the door with a player, but it does not have the appeal it once had.



The allure of Los Angeles is secondary, and players want to know the basketball plan now and in the future.

All about timing

The Lakers’ cap space this summer will depend on how they time the signings of their own first-round pick (if they retain it) and restricted free agent Jordan Clarkson.



Because of Clarkson’s low cap hold ($2.75 million), the Lakers will be able to go free-agent shopping and then sign the second-year player. The “Arenas provision” will protect the Lakers if Clarkson were to entertain an offer sheet with another team.

Don’t be afraid to roll over cap space

Even with $57 million in their pocket, the Lakers are not pressed to spend every cent this summer.



With a rising cap that is projected to be $109 million in 2017 and a star-studded free-agent class, Los Angeles would be wise to use this summer as a stepping-stone for next year.

Make the kids earn it

The core of the Lakers’ franchise – for better or worse – is made up of D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Julius Randle. Three of the four were first-round picks, with Russell and Randle selected in the lottery the past two seasons. Being selected in the first round might earn you financial security, but it shouldn’t merit automatic playing time.



View photos D'Angelo Russell is a key piece of the Lakers' future. (Getty Images) More

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