| The Passion Of The Lakers Authored by Scott Essman - May 4, 2007 - 6:05 pm
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When Kobe Bryant gained mid-season form, scoring at will and leading the Lakers to unbelievable comeback wins a few months ago, it was already over but the shouting. To the keen observer, it was at that point that the Lakers became a team of desperation instead of just a team, which is what they were through the first fifty games of the year. Instead of distributing the ball and getting his teammates involved, Kobe became the whole team, doing whatever it took to win. Which, of course, had short-term effects.
The fact remained that Kobe didn't have great teammates to distribute to. He knew that he needed to carry the team on his back to win. With a final record barely over .500, it was clear that wasn't enough for ultimate success in the NBA these days. While one player might dominate and lead in spurts, it is the deep team that consistently wins.
Overmatched against the Suns in the playoffs, the Lakers won a moral victory with a home-court victory in game three, but it wasn't cause for too much excitment at Staples. The cold hard reality is that the Lakers have failed to surround Kobe with A-list players since the departure of Shaquille O'Neal three seasons ago. Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, Smush Parker, Lamar Odom and much of the Lakers' bench are likeable and somewhat talented, but all are B and C players. The Lakers haven't suited up an A player since Shaq left.
If they are to recapture greatness while Kobe is still young and viable, the Lakers have serious player personnel evaluations to make this offseason. Many of their trades and signings the past three seasons have been good enough for two consecutive playoff appearances, but the Lakers have not won a playoff series since 2004.
In point, they actually had a better season in 2005-2006, winning more regular season games and stretching the Suns to a seven-game playoff series. The future of the franchise is seemingly now in the hands of General Manager Mitch Kupchak to return the Lakers to glory. With Bryant turning 29 this summer, the clock is ticking. Common sense designates that the team ought have a five-year plan if they are to bring LA another NBA title. |
