Sure the Lakers just got clowned, but these nuggets that I found (via The Lakers Nation), only one day after the hideous 39-point loss, may instill some hope among the optimists out there.

First, Andrew Bynum on contracts:
In an interview toward the end of the regular season, Bynum said he wanted to stay with the team and did not necessarily expect a maximum contract extension of about $80 million."I just want to be a Laker," he said. "As long as they treat me right, it doesn't matter. It doesn't have to be max [money] for me. I just want to be able to live comfortably and take care of my family." [LA TImes]

And second, Sasha on coming up short:
"Next year, especially with Andrew and the same group, we won't be short two games like we were this year; I can guarantee you that," Vujacic said. "We are going to work really hard. Personally, I'm going to work myself really hard in the gym all summer. We want to win it. We lost our first (NBA) Finals, and I think we have a lot more to go." [OC Register]

There's also been a lot of talk about Ron Artest coming over, however he has made statements that suggest otherwise. I think the Lakers should consider pursuing him. He is going to be able to play a position (SF) that Lamar will need time to get adjusted to with Bynum coming back, with better efficiency, and most importantly, better consistency.

Finally, Phil Jackson, who is under increasing scrutiny (cough. after being out-coached by Doc), made these comments about the future during Tuesday's press conference: "We have to get some players if we're going to come back and repeat, to have that kind of aggressiveness that we need."

There's a lot of talk already. It's going to be a long off-season.