As the NBA continues to change and evolve thanks to the latest blockbuster wave of major free agency signings-LeBron James coming home to Cleveland, Carmelo Anthony staying home with the Knicks, and Pau Gasol heading to the Chicago Bulls, among other moves -- the Los Angeles Lakers look to rebuild from the ashes of two straight seasons wrought with disappointment.

The Lakers traded for Jeremy Lin, but aside from taking the 26-year-old point guard's hefty contract onto their roster, Los Angeles has done little else to build a solid supporting cast around NBA great Kobe Bryant heading into the 2014-15 NBA season. Granted, they've at least rectified their coaching situation with a solid hiring in Byron Scott, who led the Nets to two straight NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, but without a strong supporting cast to play with and Gasol leaving Hollywood for the Windy City, they may be even worse off than they were last season. The Lakers need help, and they need it badly on several fronts. While that help might not be on the way before the beginning of the season in October -- largely thanks to being roughly $10.7 million over the salary cap for next season -- there might be some things that Los Angeles might be able to do to at least get them on the right track for a strong late season push or a more formidable squad in the 2015-16 season.

Latin Post takes a look at some of the best moves the Lakers could make during -- and after -- the 2014-15 NBA season:

Waive Steve Nash

It's sad that it's come to this for a player that will go down in history as being one of the all-time greats at his position, but the fact is that Nash is nowhere near being the man that won two back-to-back league MVP trophies nearly a decade ago. He's not even close to being 50 percent of that guy. Injuries and age have clearly robbed Nash of his greatness as he enters what may be his last NBA season at age 40. And this season won't come cheap for Nash, who is due $9.7 million. With a younger Lin and the equally young, offensive-minded Nick Young in the backcourt, the Lakers need to make their backcourt younger and sleeker. Nash has tons of experience, but his body may not be able to withstand the rigors of a full 82-game schedule anymore. It's best that the Lakers cut their losses on Nash and clear room for more youth on the roster.

Sign Michael Beasley

The Lakers added some muscle to their roster this offseason thanks to the additions of NBA Draft pick Julius Randle and veteran power forward Carlos Boozer. With that in mind, they could use some more athleticism and a hand on offense. Enter Beasley, who may not be much of a defender, but is athletic and a pretty good inside and outside scorer. Adding in some offense to help Bryant spread the wealth would certainly help, and they wouldn't exactly have to break the bank to get Beasley, either.

Shore up Defense

Playing "D" is never the hallmark of a Mike D'Antoni-led basketball team, and it showed over the last two seasons in Los Angeles, the Lakers not having much in the way of defense against opponents. The Lakers ranked third-worst in the NBA last season in defensive efficiency (107.9). Let's measure that up to the Lakers' last NBA championship season in 2009-10, when their defensive efficiency was at 100.9, fifth-best in the league. Defense wins titles, it's that simple. If the Lakers want to turn their fortunes around, they have to start bolstering their list of stoppers. Emeka Okafor, a free agent, could be one such player who could add some needed defense, as could 36-year-old free agent Shawn Marion, who could add some much needed perimeter defense to L.A. There's also Toney Douglas, who could be a welcome addition to the Lakers' point guard arsenal by bringing his focus on defense over the questionable "D" their current point guard roster offers.

Add in Depth at Small Forward

This is definitely a weak area on their roster. Fortunately, there are a few available free agents that could help in that regard. Francisco Garcia is a solid defender and can add long-range firepower from the three-point line. Marion and Okafor add in defense, while adding Chris Douglas-Roberts would give them some innovation on the offensive end, which the Lakers can never have enough of. They need talent here, bottom line, along with everywhere else. And infusing this position with some unique talent would be a great starting point. 

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