Everyone says that Michael had a great supporting cast, but think about it, Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, JOhn Paxton, Rodman, Kukoc, these guys did nothing once Jordan retired. I mean those guys went to other teams and I think Scottie was the only one who averaged 14 pts a game or something. That means that Jordan made these guys better. The same thing with Nash. The reason why guys like Tim Thomas and Boris Diaw are getting better is because of NASH. That is why he is an MVP. What MArk JAckson is saying is rubbish. JAckson is a bum...I just think Kobe is a scorer. Thats it. He is not an all rounder. He is nowhere close to Jordan. As far as the Lakers having an easier time if they had some players, If the suns had a healthy Amare and Kurt Thomas, this would have been a sweep. Shaq immediately made Miami a contender, Detriot is their only hurdle. Lakers can barely make the playoffs, and Shaq is still playing while Kobe is goin FISHIN!!