RealGM

With Kobe out, the Lakers no longer have a ball-stopper. Steve Nash is finally allowed to handle the ball (as he should). Now that Kobe isn't sucking up all the possessions in his own little black hole, Dwight Howard -the only superstar on the team who is the future of the Lakers - can get more shot attempts. Since D12 has such a high FG% when compared to Kobe (57.3% vs 46.9%), this will translate to more points per possession for the Lakers. Also, since Jodie Meeks (the backup shooting guard) is a much better defender than tired old Kobe, the opponents' points per game will plummet.

In my estimation, the Lakers have a better shot than ever before at making the playoffs than they did with Kobe in.

Its been awhile since I just stared off into space, speechless. So thanks for that.

Thanks for the laugh....appreciate it

There's no way to replace Kobe, especially with the way he's be playing lately. At least, he'll get some well deserved rest. That's the only positive spin I can put on it. We don't need to be great, just better than Dallas and Utah. We've got a little breathing room, but not much.

Hopefully Nash and Howard can find some success with the P&R. They both seem to have a little extra bounce in their step recently. But the supporting cast is weak. I dunno. Another twist in this crazy season.

I can see what OP kind of means. A big reason the Lakers were losing early on was because the team wasn't being utilized properly, and a big reason was because Kobe wasn't passing, once he started racking up those assists though things changed.

This can be a bit of a blessing in disguise, if Nash and Howard can start leading this team and getting more comfortable out there the Lakers will still win games. This while Kobe is on the sidelines, being able to appreciate his teammates talents more. So when Kobe comes back, Dwight/Nash will be much more comfortable, and Kobe will just have to keep playing like he has over the last few weeks. That kind of team can be a championship contendor in the playoffs.

Stop trolling Knicks fans.