October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during a stoppage in play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
26.) Los Angeles Lakers: (13th in Western Conference)
This is a tough team to put so low in the Power Rankings because it’s me saying that I don’t have full confidence in Kobe Bryant this season. The Lakers are actually one of my sleeper picks this season because of the core group of guys on this team and their history of all being on winning basketball teams in the past. However, I think the bottom line is injuries for this team this season and it’s sad. If the Lakers want a chance at the post season, they have to limit their veterans minutes, get great production from their bench and I don’t know if the Lakers can count on much of that bench other than Nick Young and possibly Jeremy Lin at moments. Good luck, Kobe. I’m rooting for you, the playoffs simply just are not the same without you.
Question: Does Kobe Bryant contract cause the Lakers years of hurt?
Kobe Bryant signed a 2-year/$48.5 million dollar deal this offseason, but are the Lakers sure that this was the correct move? Of course, if anyone knows anything about Kobe, they should know that he is going to prove me completely wrong about this opinion. However, I’m not sure why the Kobe would sacrifice an opportunity to play with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in order for selfish gain but, that wasn’t my decision to make. Now this contract puts the Lakers in a really weird scenario where they are tied up with their money for the next two years and they can’t make a free agency play until the 2016 offseason.