When It's Over

[JDP]

I know you guys are in the thick of the NBA Finals right now and things seem to be going well. The Lakers could very well repeat this year (I hope they do) and even set a three-peat in motion...I don't see why not.... but the question I have is are you as Lakers fans already bracing for the end of the Kobe Bryant era. So given the circumstances when its all said and done Kobe retires as one of the best to ever play the game how would you go about keeping the Lakers an elite team.

I.E. do you believe you guys will land a marquee free agent as soon as the Mamba retires or try and build through the draft by moving up in these upcoming drafts and try to stockpile young talent to lead into a transitional era. Personally I hope Kobe does what he does for a long time but all good things come to an end right/

[SashAlex]

He's still just 31. He's got 5, 6 very strong years left considering he'll have a long rest this summer( and he'll have ) and the other ones.

I just hope that Bynum has had all his serious injuries until now. We've got Gasol too. It's LA and the future looks good.

[Joe Kleazy]

Everyone knows we ALWAYS will be a draw for a nice free agent in the future.

[DubaLakers]

Yes we realize there is a window. The Lakers will always be in good shape, it's a strong franchise, but the next installment will be a lot different I would think, they'd have to rely on everyone, rather than look to that one guy to bail them out.

If Bynum stays healthy he'd be the best center in the league, but that's a big "if".

[magic1fan]

kobe still has a few great years left imo,but with that said when the time does come i trust dr buss's judgement and he always seems to find the right mix...hopefully his kids are paying close attention,so they can carry on the tradition...we might have a drought here and there but we will be back sooner rather than later..

[The Skyhook]

Once these big expensive contracts expire the Lakers could very will bring in whoever will be the most wanted free agent. Kobe will remain with the Lakers and take a pay cut once his contract expires. Pau could do the same or maybe he will go to play in Spain. Kobe might not be capable of doing what he does now but he would still be able to play at a high level. Since Kobe probably won't take a backseat to a SG or SF he I think the Lakers will sign either a big name PG or C.

[H00PDREAMS]

Ok heres a scenario.. Kobe retires. I see someone like CP3, Wall, OJ Mayo or the like getting to Los Angeles by that time these players should be at or near thier prime and dropin' 20 or more points a game. They would arrive just in time to help Bynum and Gasol return to finals for their 3rd or 4th rings.

[Jase]

I imagine most Laker fans will give it more thought when it comes closer to that time.

[mavs4life123]

Dont be suprised if you see Kevin Durant in a Laker uniform sometime in the future...

[The Skyhook]

Dont be suprised if you see Kevin Durant in a Laker uniform sometime in the future...

I have thought about it but I'm not sure. Durant has expressed a lot of love for OKC. Very similar to Wade and Wade seems unwilling to play anywhere but Miami. The way Wade has shown loyalty to Miami has pissed me off a little because he seems a little in over his head. He has gone as far as to question the loyalty of Chicago without ever doing any research. I'm not sure if I'm more bothered by where Lebron will play or when I see new stories about Wade trying to recruit guys to Miami.

If I'm not mistaken the Thunder actually have room to sign someone like Bosh or Amare to help their size issue. I'm not sure why Durant isn't trying to bring a big name free agent to play alongside him in OKC.

[daddyfivestar]

The Lakers' next great superstar in their historic tradition is in the 5th grade right now

[stunnar0b]

Everyone knows we ALWAYS will be a draw for a nice free agent in the future.

second that to the fullest