The Charlotte Bobcats and numerous other cellar dweller NBA teams would give half their bodily organs for a season this "bad."
But that's a different story because with such great expectations and players comes the intense scrutiny that is the L.A. microscope. Ask Mike Brown how it works.
With only a week or so left to determine the playoff structure, it's about time we discuss the tenuous future of a Kobe Bryant-led team—again.
As harsh as it may sound, there isn't much of a chance the Lakers will head to the Western Conference Finals or even get out of the first round. What's likely to happen is they save their franchise from absolute embarrassment by sneaking into the playoffs and lose in a quick series to the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder.
An injury-marred season with aging stars isn't the sole reason the Lakers need to go young for the future. It's the cap concerns, institutional structure and the age factor that will dictate the Lakers heading in a different direction, sooner than later.
Cap Concerns
The Lakers are in a rare position where stability isn't a sure thing for the future. They have one player, Steve Nash, signed through the 2014-15 season, according to Hoopsworld. The future also hinges on the fact that Dwight Howard becomes a free agent after this season, and who knows where he will go.
After Kobe makes an astounding $30.45 million next year, the Lakers will have to decide what to do. What if Bryant wants another big contract? Do they want to go over the cap to sign Kobe, Dwight and other free agents (think someone like Chris Bosh)?
The big decisions co...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
