NBA Free Agents 2010: L.A. Lakers Need Answers To Return To NBA Finals

Fans filled the streets and yelled louder than any vuvuzela during the Lakers Victory Parade. Lovers of the purple and gold drove from hundreds of miles away just to see their favorite players on a bus from a distance. Sure, there were some riots, resulting in six arrests and two missing children, according to ESPN.com. But even a trip to Neverland Ranch has those problems. Monday in Los Angeles made me happier than Albert Haynesworth at all-you-can-eat buffet. Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, and the rest of the defending NBA champions made some of the attendees’ lives complete with a simple wave. Sadly, even Artest knew the party would only last a little longer. It’s almost time to get back to work. Many people think the Lakers are as far from an important team in free agency as possible. While the cross-town rival Clippers have more money to spend, it’s possible that Los Angeles’ only real basketball squad may have more critical decisions to make this offseason. So what will the Lakers do? Here are the top five impending decisions that could make or break Kobe & Co’s title defense. And no, giving a raise to Artest’s therapist isn’t one of them. Begin Slideshow

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