Are The Lakers Better Off Without Kobe Bryant?

Once a franchise that exemplified greatness, the Los Angeles Lakers have reached an unimaginable low. From the numerous injuries sustained by the legendary Kobe Bryant to the questionable hirings initiated by upper management (hiring Mike D'Antoni and Byron Scott), the Lakers have unquestionably self destructed.

However, while their are a plethora of misguided decisions that have contributed to the Lakers tumultuous downfall, it seems clear that their failures are more of a player personnel disparity rather than poor coaching on the part of Byron Scott. Specifically, the physical and mental decline of Kobe Bryant has been especially difficult to witness on a regular basis. His resilient resolve that once allowed him become one of the best players in the NBA, has now eradicated as he has incurred one devastating injury after the other.

Thus far during the Lakers head shaking 0-4 start, Bryant has averaged a meek 15.8 PPG (25.3 PPG career average) while shooting 32.3% from the field (45.1% career average). However, while Bryant's statistical variances are definitely alarming, it is also the result of him taking less shots. Bryant's attempted shots per game have hovered around 20 throughout his career, this season has seen a less aggressive shooter with Bryant averaging just 15.5 shots per game. Although this could be the result of Bryant's apparent physical regression, it is also just as likely that Bryant's confidence in his abilities is beginning to come apart at the seams. In years past, Bryant hardly ever unveiled any type of self deprecation. No matter what the imposing obstacle was, Bryant was unconditionally determined to overcome it. And more often than not, he did just that.

Yet, it became difficult for Bryant to remain jovial as his career became sidetracked by one freak injury after another. Although Bryant seems to be healthy from a athletic stand point, his fiery perseverance is no longer present. Not only does this energy hurt Bryant's ability to be great, it also inhibits the growth and progression of his young teammates. While being a nurturing leader was never one of Bryant's strong suits, he lead by his performance on the court, which at one time was a miraculous sight to behold. Now, Bryant's inability to lead by example has crippled his team from moving forward.

While it may seem unfair to oust a man who has helped the Lakers win five championships in the 21st century, it can't be denied that father time has finally caught up to the 19-year veteran.  Without a confident and skillful leader that can remain resilient through any situation, a team is doomed to flounder in the realm of mediocrity. Although it won't be easy an easy notion to accept for any die hard Laker fan, the inevitable retirement of Bryant should happen sooner rather than later.

When all is said and done, the Lakers will be able to retain their title of perennial championship contenders when they have completely established themselves with a new generation of players. Although Bryant's presence was once a model for rookies to emulate, his continuous regression both physically and mentally has not been a helpful attribute for a team that has enough struggles to deal with. For the Lakers to create another successful dynasty, they will have to let go of the final piece of their last five championship teams.