Los Angeles Lakers 2006-07 Preview  

 Sadly, the Los Angeles Lakers may not even be the best team in LA anymore. It's all about Kobe. The Lakers' success is on Bryant's shoulders, and the superstar guard knows that this is his team. Win or lose, Bryant will get the credit or the blame

The Lakers have the best player in Los Angeles, but do they have the best team? The Clippers have made this an interesting rivalry with their new found success.

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The supporting cast is where the Lakers have their problems, and the age old question still remains, team ball, or individual ball. With the Lakers its all about Kobe.

They have some role players, like Kwame Brown who has been on the spot since the day he entered the NBA for Washington in 2001 as the No. 1 overall draft pick. The 6-11 forward/center’s tantalizing glimpses of athleticism have still yet to be backed up by consistent production. He’s only 24, though so he still has some time to develop, but the Lakers need someone to go through when and if Kobe isn't getting it done.

Undrafted Smush Parker was a revelation during the regular season, but he struggled mightily in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Sasha Vujacic, Shammand Williams, Chris Mihm, Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, and Andrew Bynum are not exactly going to put fear into anyone.

Because of the unbelievable talents of Bryant, the Lakers can win 40+ games and should once again be in the postseason. Any success in the playoffs will depend on Kobe having monster games again.