They have positioned themselves well for the distant future, even if they have an incredibly pricey immediate future. In the 2014-15 season—when Kobe's current deal runs out—Los Angeles has no money committed. Between now and then, recent moves have ensured that they stay competitive.
Kobe Bryant is always a captivating presence, but in this season, it's especially true.
It's a transitional year for Kobe, as he must hand over the reins of the Los Angeles offense for that offense to thrive. And though Bryant is among the smartest players in the league (a subjective judgment, based on his interviews), recent returns suggest he might be unwilling to make the necessary move.
He played well in the Olympic gold-medal game against Spain, but would often sling contested shots throughout the NBA playoffs. Last season, despite having Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol as viable options, Bryant shot 23 times per game, the most since 2006-07. He also shot only .527 in true shooting percentage, less than the team average.
It's especially interesting that Kobe needs to let go because he's the NBA's highest-paid player.
Next season, he's set to make $27,849,149, and $30,453,805 in the season after that. You could be sympathetic to the Laker star, insofar as you can be sympathetic to someone making that much money. He's paid to be "the guy," and it might be hard to process the need for a lesser role under such circumstances.
But a lesser role is needed, as is a Kobe Bryant evolution.
The Lakers added Steve Nash, who has a history of running potent offense via the pick-and-roll. The "PnR" Nash action usually has to involve a big man, so as to stretch a defense. Perhaps you recall seeing this about 1,000 times over the course of Nash's seven-seconds-or-less reign of offensive terror...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
