For Lakers fans out there we knew this year was going to be rough because of the following things, Kobe was coming off of a major injury, Steve Nash can’t stay healthy, Dwight left and Gasol is a shell of himself.
Laker Nation always seems to have high expectations and this year if that was the case it was a pipe dream. The Lakers are accustomed to winning, we are spoiled as a fan base, but sometimes you have to be realistic.
This team made some nice additions during the off season, but nobody was signed who would turn this team into a contender. This team plays with a lot of energy and is very scrappy. So, when Kobe finally returned a lot of fans had false hope that Kobe is all the team needed to get into that Championship talk hunt.
During the 6 games Kobe played more of the point guard role due to all of the injuries at the position. Just when you kind of saw Kobe getting his legs under him bam another injury occurs. Now he’s out for at least 6 weeks.
Some say they should shut him down for the season, some say he should play when he’s ready. I lie on the shut down side only because I want the Lakers to have a shot to load up in the off season. If the Lakers can get into the high end of the lottery this year they will be able to draft a difference maker. They also have enough money to max at least one superstar free agent this summer. With the way things are going in New York, Melo seems like the guy the Lakers will have the best chance at signing.
We have Kobe for at least two more years so we can’t waste his lasts opportunities to bring us a ship and also this is the time to build for the future. A high draft pick and signing a superstar over the off season can help for now and the future. I think Kobe getting injured could be a blessing for and the Lakers organization long term.
I know this sounds bad, but this year is the year to not make the playoffs. Laker Nation don’t shoot me down, but this is the only way to turn a negative into a positive.
