He's placed it directly on the pulse of the Los Angeles Lakers and come back with a clear vision of exactly what ails this franchise. The Lakers can't start back up on the path to relevance without proper direction from the team's ruling family.
"I think we have to start at the top in terms of the culture of our team," Bryant said during a press conference last week, via ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin. "What kind of culture do we want to have? What kind of system do we want to have? ... It starts there and from there, you can start building out your team accordingly."
In that case, the Lakers are still sitting in the starting blocks. Executive vice president Jim Buss and team president, Jim's sister, Jeanie Buss have yet to find a common ground since assuming control of the franchise after their father, longtime Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, passed away last February.
"You got to start with Jim," Bryant said, per McMenamin, filling in the blanks for anyone left in the dark by his initial words. "You got to start with Jim and Jeanie and how that relationship plays out. It starts there and having a clear direction and clear authority."
Messages are rarely sent this directly in professional sports, but this one came with flashing lights and trumpets announcing its arrival. These poignant words have apparently already been received.
Jeanie Buss, speaking with Lakers broadcaster Bill McDonald (h/t B/R's Josh Martin), has since answered Bryant's call for action:
Without a subsequent sign-off from Jim, though, this remains a house divided.
Fractured leadership can't repair a fractured franchise.
Trapped in a downward spiral that has the Lakers facing their worst season since arriving in L.A. prior ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
