The 2012-13 NBA regular season has been unkind to the Los Angeles Lakers (29-30 record), but recent history tells us that not all "superteams" have lived up to expectations.
For instance, the Houston Rockets of the late 1990s featured Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley. That trio never sniffed the second round of the playoffs due advanced age and an inability to coexist.
The Lakers’ quartet of stars has struggled due to the same issues, with injuries also playing a key role.
Before going down with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, Pau Gasol, 32, was relegated to the second unit in an effort to open up the floor for Kobe Bryant, 34, and the starting unit.
Dwight Howard, 27, has been asked to anchor the defense and live off of whatever crumbs Bryant leaves for him. He has battled through back and shoulder issues throughout the season.
Steve Nash, 39, has taken a backseat to the two-time NBA Finals MVP and allowed him to assume most of the ball-handling duties for the Purple and Gold. He has also dealt with his own injuries, missing 24 games early in the season after fracturing his left leg.
Much like the Rockets from the late 1990s, the superstars under Mike D’Antoni this year have sacrificed in some way, shape or form. They haven’t completely embraced their roles, and it’s resulted in some poor basketball and public griping.
With Nash and Gasol being known for excellent passing from their respective positions, it makes the Lakers' chemistry issues that much harder to grasp.
Superteams are not new for Bryant.
The 2003-04 Lakers featured Gary Payton, Karl Malone and Shaquille O’Neal, all of whom played alongside Kobe. That squad failed to win the championship, losing to the Pistons in five games, though it’s worth noting that Malone was injured during the NBA Finals.
