The core of The Lakers is all under 30 and still growing as players. That could mean two or more opportunities for The Lakers to win a championship. If Kobe is still a part of this team, he has a good chance of winning two or more championships before retirement.

If the Lakers are to win more titles, they need to find a replacement for Fisher who is 34. It does not appear that the once promising Jordan Farmar or Shannon Brown could step into his shoes. Also, they need to improve their bench, because other than Odom and occasionally, Walton, the Lakers' bench in the later rounds of playoffs has been a non-factor.

If the Lakers are to win more titles, they need to find a replacement for Fisher who is 34. It does not appear that the once promising Jordan Farmar or Shannon Brown could step into his shoes. Also, they need to improve their bench, because other than Odom and occasionally, Walton, the Lakers' bench in the later rounds of playoffs has been a non-factor.

It is hard to win one title. Kobe is young enough that he has a shot at winning another. Part of the Lakers team has to be rebuilt. Some guys on the bench (Luke Walton) may see more PT next year. He's a guy who makes nice plays, and does the little things no one notices.

Odom, Bynum and Ariza need to stay. This was a very good Lakers team, Gasol played great. He may be the unsung hero. Without him, they wouldn't have won. Kobe needs these players back and healthy. But he has accomplished a lot. And the Lakers have too.

These playoffs were not easy, but the Lakers proved to be the best team.

I think 2 more titles is within reach. Still we have to keep in mind LBJ will be lurking, Houston, Denver etc. can give them a definite run for their money, Orlando could well ride this wave of success into the next 3 or 4 years. We have to keep in mind though, Jordan was 33 when he won his 4th, a year older than Kobe. Kobe does have more mileage in those legs of course (he came straight out of high school). Even still, Kobe still has one to three good seasons left in his legs and if they keep this team in tact, add a gritty role player or two, there's a good shot he'll equal jordan....anyway surpass Shaq.

It's nice to see Kobe grow up. He has matured, much in the same way that MJ matured and has become the ultimate team player. He really does make people better. He's no Magic Johnson, but he is definitely a leader who helps others suceed. I don't worry about the bench in the playoffs, because all great coaches shorten their benches when playoff times hit. It seems that the real function of the bench is to limit minutes in the regular season so that the stars can take over at playoff time.

Actually, Kobe is only 30, so he got his 4 rings 3 years earlier than Jordan did. If Kobe gets 6 before age 35, he won't retire until #7. Plus, I think a lot of this depends on Bynum. If he stays healthy and becomes the dominant center we have seen he is capable of, then Kobe's job becomes a lot easier and his legs won't be as tired. Kobe will still kill teams with his jump shot when he reaches mid-30's.

Kobe for player-coach! jk

PS - bring back the sonics, with their current lineup-- We'll take them.. I heard those guys in OKC are all broke, now anyways.. Right??

I loved it when Kobe was in the huddle during the timeouts teaching his guys. That should shows me that this guy has developed beyond a "mega super star" into a true leader. What's amazing is that everybody on the team was listening and paying close attention. I don't think Phil gets that in some cases.