After a disappointing second round lost to the eventual NBA champion, Dallas Mavericks, many questions surround the Los Angeles Lakers for next season:
Can they win a championship without Phil Jackson at the helm?
Will new head coach Mike Brown’s scheme take full advantage of the current Laker roster?
The Masters of Prognostication (the Las Vegas oddmakers) will have the Lakers near the top when they’re projecting the odds for the 2012 NBA title contenders. They will need a smooth transition from the Jackson era to the Brown regime or you have the feeling they will try to make a big trade to improve their chances of winning a championship.
Laker management fully understands that they have limit time remaining with Kobe Bryant as their main star. Yes, he still capable of averaging over 20 points-per-game, and on certain nights, Bryant is the best player in the NBA. But, he is slowing down at 32-years old, and his defense noticeably slipped last season. It would be wise for Brown to lessen Kobe’s minutes for the coming year.
Nobody is sure of the guard rotation for next season, as the Lakers need to improve the point guard position. They also need less sulking and more consistent minutes from F Pau Gasol on a nightly basis. It might be wise for Brown to get F Ron Artest more offensive touches, as he seemed frustrated and unhappy in his role under Jackson.