If the Lakers go on a run without Kobe...

[Moranis]

Do you think that will change their off season plans in any manner?  I mean I already expect them to re-sign Dwight, but would a nice run have them re-consider anything else they might do.  On the other end, would a big losing strike, make them change their mind on Dwight and let him walk?

Thoughts?

[CelticConcourse]

They sign Dwight no matter what.

[Who]

I don't think it changes their offseason plans either way.

Kobe Bryant will finish his career with the Lakers just like Magic Johnson and Jerry West did. Dwight Howard is the succession plan. The next superstar to bridge LA into a new era.

[timobusa]

Do you think that will change their off season plans in any manner?  I mean I already expect them to re-sign Dwight, but would a nice run have them re-consider anything else they might do.  On the other end, would a big losing strike, make them change their mind on Dwight and let him walk?

Thoughts?

They will try and re-sign Dwight for sure. But if the Lakers miss the playoffs, that could be a huge asterisk. Dallas could make a move to sign Howard.
I think it all depends on what happens this season.
Lakers make it, he signs.
Lakers don't make it, he thinks twice.

I think this whole sprained ankle thing has been blown way out of proportion, it is the "Drama" that the Lakers want, Kobe is gonna be back in a couple games, and they will be back on track.

[nickagneta]

Not only would the Lakers never move Kobe, they probably can't.

First, Kobe has a no trade clause.

Second, Kobe has a trade kicker that makes him able to opt out of his contract.

Third, I am not sure there exists a team out there that would trade their 2 or 3 highest paid(and presumably best players), draft picks and/or young stars for Kobe's ability to opt out on them and have them get nothing in return.

As for what LA will do. It doesn't matter how they play without Kobe. He and Dwight and Nash are back and the Lakers will trade Gasol in the summer because he doesn't fit with what D'Antoni wants to do.

[Lucky17]

Not only would the Lakers never move Kobe, they probably can't.

First, Kobe has a no trade clause.

Second, Kobe has a trade kicker that makes him able to opt out of his contract.

Third, I am not sure there exists a team out there that would trade their 2 or 3 highest paid(and presumably best players), draft picks and/or young stars for Kobe's ability to opt out on them and have them get nothing in return.

As for what LA will do. It doesn't matter how they play without Kobe. He and Dwight and Nash are back and the Lakers will trade Gasol in the summer because he doesn't fit with what D'Antoni wants to do.

They can amnesty Kobe. They won't, but they could.

[RMO]

Better question, would Kobe fans be happy the lakers make a run or upset they made a run without their god?

They're all in with Dwight.  They see him as their future (they need a superstar).  Whether he stays with them or not is all on him.

[Moranis]

Not only would the Lakers never move Kobe, they probably can't.

First, Kobe has a no trade clause.

Second, Kobe has a trade kicker that makes him able to opt out of his contract.

Third, I am not sure there exists a team out there that would trade their 2 or 3 highest paid(and presumably best players), draft picks and/or young stars for Kobe's ability to opt out on them and have them get nothing in return.

As for what LA will do. It doesn't matter how they play without Kobe. He and Dwight and Nash are back and the Lakers will trade Gasol in the summer because he doesn't fit with what D'Antoni wants to do.

They can amnesty Kobe. They won't, but they could.

They could also move him to a team like the Hawks that are way under the cap and have free agents that make sense in a sign and trade like say Kobe for Josh Smith and a couple of firsts.  Saves Lakers 10 million in salary, which is like another 20-30 million in luxury tax.  And the Hawks with Kobe, Horford, and Teague would have a nice little team that would be very competitive.

That however was not the point I was getting at, I meant it more like do you think that will change their plans with Pau or Metta, one of which is likely going to be amnestied.  If they go on a nice win streak, will that maybe change their plans with them to the point where they go more all in next year.  I think if they just plod along, they will re-sign Dwight, amnesty Pau, and work towards putting a team around Dwight in the future while they just ride Kobe's contract out.