Welcome to the LakerLand!

Welcome to the LakerLand! As we look ahead to the upcoming NBA regular season, there is little doubt that the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most successful and iconic organizations in NBA history, will likely be an ongoing source of drama- both on and off the floor. Obviously, Kobe Bryant’s future with the Lakers (or not) is the most significant storyline surrounding this team, and this matter will definitely receive its fair share of attention. However, rather than devoting every article to recycling the same old sound bites and unsubstantiated rumors, I will also be focused on providing some insight to the Lakers’ on-court performance, as this is still an intriguing young team, with the planet’s best player, capable of beating any team on any given night (sadly, they are more than capable of losing to any team on any given night as well!).

With all of the uncertainty in Lakerland, below are a few of the most important questions surrounding this team heading into the new season. Every day this week, I will examine one of these issues and attempt to understand what lies ahead for the Los Angeles Lakers:

• How did we get here? What exactly took place that led to the deterioration in Kobe Bryant’s relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers?

• Would the Lakers actually trade Kobe Bryant? If so, what could they expect in return?

• What moves, if any, could the Lakers’ front office make to improve this team and appease Kobe Bryant?

• Other than Kobe Bryant, just how much actual talent is there on the 2007-08 Lakers’ roster?

• As currently assembled, what style of play best suits the 2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers?

• Realistically, what can we expect from the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season?

I am excited for the start of another season for the Los Angeles Lakers. As is always the case with this team, there will be plenty to talk about, and I’m proud to be bringing my takes on the Lakers to you. Tomorrow, I’ll be jumping into the Lakers’ beat with both feet with my comprehensive recap of the deterioration of the relationship between Kobe Bryant and the Lakers’ front office.