Many thought last year's playoff bust was a temporary set-back, but things don't look good for The Lake Show. If they don't pull off a Dwight Howard deal, it might be time to panic.
Metta World Peace
Ron Artest at his most sane and well behaved is a distraction and a player with severely diminished skills. Ron Artest just legally changed his name to Metta World Peace. Does that sound sane?
(Getty Images / Jeff Gross)
Mike Brown
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE)
I cheered for a Mike Brown-coached team for years in Cleveland. I can confidently say that there is no coach whose offensive strategy would be less fitting of the Lakers' "Showtime" brand. This man coaches ugly, ugly basketball. And if LeBron didn't listen to him or respect him, why would Kobe?
The Chris Paul Debacle
Remember a few days ago when the Lakers had traded for Chris Paul until suddenly they hadn't? Me too. You know who else remembers it? Pau Gasol, who was on his way out of town in the trade. And we all know how mentally tough Gasol is, no matter what he's saying about the rumors. I'm sure this won't affect his play at all.
(AP / Gerald Herbert)
Lamar Odom's Exit
Speaking of people who were affected by the rumors... The Lake Show basically gave Odom to one of their top rivals (the defending champion, Dallas Mavericks) for nothing, because Odom was so rattled and hurt by the idea that the Lakers didn't want him. Giving away someone who was arguably your third best player for the last 7 years is typically not the sign of a team ready to compete. Though this will mean less Kardashians courtside, so it's not all bad news.
(AP / Patrick Semansky)