Reading through this article, I don't really see what the problem is.
Business wise, he's great. He's a ratings magnet, the season ticket holders (the rich, wealthy types) want him and the Lakers can't afford to be irrelevant.
In other words, Kobe Bryant is absolutely necessary.
There isn't any one star, that could play with Kobe Bryant, that would make the Lakers a contender.
This doesn't mean a move couldn't be made at the trade deadline to make them slightly better.... a player of Pau Gasol's caliber, who's unselfish and takes direction.
On a brighter note, Russell Westbrook could end up there within the next two years if he makes it clear to OKC that he's ready to go.
