Since this thread has been idle for a while, I am going to do analysis on Los Angeles Lakers: Phil is gone, Shaq is history, Malone and Payton are fishing somewhere else but the lone ranger Kobe is on his way to prove himselfin La la Land.He doesn't need Sheriff Shaq or anybody--Atleast that is what he thinks! I am still bitter about the upset that the Lakers faced last two years. Maybe I expect them to way too often but hey if you have that much talent you should win every night!! Easier said than done. Starting lineup: Chucky Atkins: Sorry, but he is at most a back up PG( Upgrade please) Kobe Bryant,SG: He is the most important player on the team who will average 30-5-5 this year. Caron Butler: he had a great rookie season last year and I think he can be good a contributor. Lamar Odom PF: Had a good year behind him in Miami but will he will able to support Kobe night in and night out? Chris Mihm: Two great games in last 4 outings but I dont expect him to be dominant.Esp in a conference where it is dominated by big men. Dampier, KG ,TD and so many others.. Other useful contributors: George,Walton, Grant. I think it was a terrible offseason for Lakers.They are so low on talent that it would take a goliath effort from Kobe to pull them to postseason.Imagine Kobe being out for 15 games like last year--This team won't even make it to .500. I just dont understand how Lakers are gonna be competetive with that talent.Jazz looks vicious,Dallas looks upgraded, Spurs are danger as ever and even teams like Grizzlies and Hornets have enough talent to make some noise. I can understand letting Shaq go to build around KObe but why let Derek Fisher(warriors for 30 millions for 5 years, he left cuz he couldn't start in LA but they traded Payton..doesnt make sense) go? If Kobe had a friend in the squad then it was Fisher!!!! and Fisher is a clutch performer. although I love the way Kobe plays, I hate his mentality and selfishness. If he was smart enough he would have easily had Shaq by his side for another championship. Just look how well the Heat is doing just by having the presence of Shaq..I mean he can change lot of things around. Bottom line: If Lakers want to get to playoffs they need to better their PG position and have better bench players. Jason Kidd's name has come I won't be surprised if he goes there...but we will have to wait and see.. Prediction for Lakers this year if they dont make a better trade:40-42( no playoffs)