You know what the Lakers should do?
I know -- you're thinking "I don't care what the Lakers do."
But seriously, if Kobe took the year off to recover from his injury, if they amnestied Gasol and tanked the season, they would then have Kobe coming back fresh, a high draft pick, and cap space to go after one or even two top free agents. You might see a team that has Nash, Kobe, Carmelo, and Jabari Parker. Just like that.
Fortunately, the Lakers just amnestied Metta, so it doesn't look like they're committed to losing. They've still got Nash, Gasol and D'Antoni with Kobe vowing to come back sooner than later.