Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant and the Lakers Need Andrew Bynum For Three-Peat

Much has been written about the woes of the Los Angeles Lakers in light of the team's four-game losing streak.

There's certainly reason for concern, considering that Kobe Bryant and company have not suffered this many losses in a row since Pau Gasol came to town.

That being said, it's still far too early to panic, what with a three and a half game lead in the Pacific Division and two season changes to go before the two-time defending champions need concern themselves with playoff positioning.

And, with starting center and all-around giant Andrew Bynum yet to play a single minute this season, the Lakers still are far from certain of what they'll have to work with in pursuit of a Three-Peat.

However, given the issues that have boiled to the surface in the cauldron of the regular season thus far, the Lakers look more and more as though they'll need a healthy and effective Bynum back in the middle if they are to send Phil Jackson off into the Montana sunset with his 12th ring (for his other big toe).

Begin Slideshow

...

About the Author