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I know this is a pretty intangible topic, but I think the biggest factor for these struggles is not having a mentally, tough leader that puts things in perspective. There is no one to steady the ship.

Kobe is an erratic leader, Pau too soft, Howard too happy, Nash too injured. The lack of consistency in the level of intensity is mind boggling and the team is not there mentally.

We do not have enough glue guys.

Meh, I thought the leadership was fine against Denver. The ship only needs steadying because fans overreact to every bad loss. I highly doubt anyone on the team is panicking or doubting right now. We have a few vets on the team that understand that this is what the regular season is for, working out the kinks.

Father Time wrote:Meh, I thought the leadership was fine against Denver. The ship only needs steadying because fans overreact to every bad loss. I highly doubt anyone on the team is panicking or doubting right now. We have a few vets on the team that understand that this is what the regular season is for, working out the kinks.

+1

"I'll kick everybody's ass in this locker room if that doesn't happen. That's the attitude that you have to have. Metta (World Peace) is the same way. Dwight (Howard) has that in him as well. Even though he smiles a lot, he still cares a lot about this thing. Like I said, come hell or high water, it has to get done." - kobe

Nash and Blake are not here and they are playing around .500 ball. Might be different when they come back.

When are we going to move on from Great Derek Fisher?

It might be possible that the team lacks a traditional charismatic leader on the court, the one who everyone naturally rallies around. It's not absolutely necessary though, leadership comes in different forms. I think Kobe is a lot like MJ, and both have done fine with their ring collection.

I don't think Howard is 'too happy' to be that guy, but I just don't think that's his personality or role to be the floor leader.

I don't know that Fisher was obviously that guy either, especially as he got older and his on-court presence declined. But by all accounts he was a great locker room guy. But that's a different sort of thing IMO.

I think Nash is the most suitable candidate when he comes back, due to his experience, skills, and position.

Father Time wrote:Meh, I thought the leadership was fine against Denver. The ship only needs steadying because fans overreact to every bad loss. I highly doubt anyone on the team is panicking or doubting right now. We have a few vets on the team that understand that this is what the regular season is for, working out the kinks.

Very well said, an exercise in patience is greatly needed from Laker nation. Kobe is the leader of that team, maybe there is not a "good cop" in the locker room like Fish or LO, but that is just how it is right now. Guys like Twan, Pau and MWP have all been there before and this team will settle itself.