<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">OAKLAND ? The Lakers are a game away from the end of their season, when more important matters will begin. They have decisions to make on coaches and players, the former because of Rudy Tomjanovich's midseason resignation and the latter because only one game separates the Lakers from the 12th-place Golden State Warriors, who beat the Lakers, 126-99, Monday night in front of 20,024 at the Arena. What could have been a quiet off-season after a round, maybe two, of playoffs will instead become a carousel of coaching candidates and player-contract evaluations. "It's going to be a very active off-season for the Lakers," said Coach Frank Hamblen, who may or may not be around to see the results. Vlade Divac does not have a guaranteed contract next season, and Luke Walton is a restricted free agent. Chucky Atkins, Brian Cook, Devean George, Jumaine Jones and Slava Medvedenko have one more year on their contracts, making them valuable commodities for teams that wish to acquire expiring contracts to free up salary-cap space after next season. Caron Butler also belongs with that group. Since he is a restricted free agent after next season, the Lakers could decide to trade Butler instead of signing him to a long-term contract. As the Lakers tumble further into the bottom half of the league, their needs are many. There are too many small forwards, too few big bodies and a lack of depth at point guard. Some needs will be addressed in the draft, where the Lakers are heading toward a lottery pick. They also have two second-round selections. "Very busy," George said of the next few months, referring to possible roster moves.</div> Source
