One of the great questions during the 2003-2004 Laker season was what would happen during the offseason. Well, we all knew there would be changes. We all knew that it could get ugly. We all knew that the Lakers as we know them are over.....in that form.
But, what the Lakers are going to do is actually pretty easy to map out. But, there are so many forks in the road that you can get lost. Here is how I figure it will all should occur:
STEP 1. PHIL JACKSON
If Phil stays...then Shaq is happy and Kobe is gone. As much as we make of the Kobe/Shaq feud....it is the Kobe/Phil battle that really had quite the impact on the team. Well, we know now that Phil will either move to the front office or sit a year then coach the Mavericks or Knicks in '05. Now, this works in the favor of Kobe staying. It also works against Shaq. Shaq loved Phil because Phil's offensive philosophy of everything runs thru Shaq. Now he is angry. Well, the three names that are thrown around are Pat Riley, Herny Bibby and Rudy T. Honestly, I think Rudy T is the perfect coach here....especially in a Kobe-led Laker franchise. The last 4 coaches to win an NBA title are Larry Brown [just now], Phil Jackson, Greg Popovich and Rudy T.....so he should get the players' respect pretty quickly.
STEP 2. WHO WILL YOU BUILD THE TEAM AROUND?
Obviously, Laker management believe it is Kobe. I am a Shaq guy.....but I see the point of view here. Kobe is much younger. Kobe seems to have the hunger and make-up of a determined player. Kobe, though expensive, is cheaper. Shaq is in the downswing of his career. Shaq is lazy. And, most importantly, Shaq wants $30M a year....like he is supposed to get next season. Now, don't get me wrong, Shaq still is one HELL of a player and easily the toughest matchup in the NBA. But, if the franchise is to move forward.......they cannot pay Shaq that kind of money down the road. And it seems like that is something he has to have to stay in LA.
STEP 3. PREPPING THE TEAM AROUND THE STAR AND COACH
If Kobe is now "da man"....then the Lakers will now have to staff the roster accordingly. And, if Shaq is to be traded, then he must be traded for something of value. Don't dump Shaq for the heck of it. Get something. I know it is impossible to get full market value....but get something worth while.
STEP 4. WHO IS GOING TO STAY?
Fish, Payton and Malone can all opt out. Payton will most likely stay. Why? Well, no one is going to give him the $5M that he will make nest year after his horrible playoff. For Malone, it is a question of health. For Fisher, it is a question of winning. If the Lakers end up rebuilding and retooling their entire lineup and offense....then Fisher most likely will go elsewhere.
Again, it all seems pretty simple......but the road to get there will be very dark, bumpy and with many cliffs.
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