Bryant has five rings. According to basketball-reference.com, he is tied for third in postseason starts, third in minutes played and third in points scored. One competitive series would move him into second in both minutes and points. Two or three would put him second in games. However, he will probably never get that chance.
This is a perspective born from a hard look at the facts. It is neither inflamed by the irrationality of “hate” nor obscured by the deceptions of affection. One of the greatest the game has ever seen will see his fade into the sunset marred by losing and frustration.
When you look at the current roster, the prospects of Bryant’s return and the limited ability of the Lakers to improve, there is little reason to believe they can make the postseason during the next two years.
The Reality of the Roster
Perhaps the darkest hour in the Bryant era prior to tearing his Achilles is from the 2004-05 season. That was the lone time in his career the Lakers missed the playoffs.
His best teammates that year were Caron Butler, Lamar Odom and Chucky Atkins [1]. They were not much of a supporting cast.
Bryant had his usual great year, averaging 27.6 points, 6.0 assists and 5.9 rebounds. But everyone else floundered, and the Lakers stumbled to a 34-48 record.
Fast forward to last season. With only six games coming from Bryant—and coaching that was most kindly described as “questionable”—the Lakers again faltered and missed the playoffs, winning only 27 games.
Their leader in assists from that squad, Kendall Marshall, is gone. Their leading re...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
