Los Angeles Lakers Won't Win Another Championship Until Kobe Bryant Retires

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Los Angeles Lakers Won't Win Another Championship Until Kobe Bryant Retires
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers just completed the worst season in their 68-year history, as the team went a putrid 21-61 in 2014-15. With free agency opening tonight at 12:01 a.m. ET, the Lakers have some visits lined up with a few of the biggest names on the market, including LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan and Jimmy Butler. The team also just drafted a potential superstar in former Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell, and they have been linked to DeMarcus Cousins in trade talks with the Sacramento Kings. All of this sounds great, but it’s not going to matter as long as Kobe Bryant still wears a Lakers uniform.

Bryant is one of the top five players in NBA history, but he’s never been one to enjoy sharing the spotlight. Bryant is at his best when he has the ball in his hands and he can play isolation. As intense a competitor as he is, Bryant isn’t going take a backseat to anyone, and therein lies the problem.

Russell is a game-changing talent, but he needs to have the ball in his hands to be successful. He’s a great distributor, ball-handler and can create shots for himself, but if he has to defer to Bryant on every possession, it’s only going to hinder his growth process.

Butler reportedly wants out of Chicago because he doesn’t like the idea that the Bulls are Derrick Rose‘s team. What does he think is going to happen if he goes to the Lakers? As long as Bryant is still lacing them up, the Lakers will always be Kobe’s team.

With the big men, only Jordan would fit with Bryant because he doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands to be successful. Cousins and Aldridge would require some freedom in the offense to play in the post, and for Aldridge, to get some outside jumpers. I know Bryant has been successful with Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol in the past, but that was with Phil Jackson in charge when the team was running his patented triangle offense.

The Lakers are desperate to return to prominence, but I don’t think it’s possible as long as Bryant is in Los Angeles. Players are afraid to step on his toes, or take the limelight away from one of the greatest Lakers of all time for fear that they will feel the wrath of Bryant’s personality. It’s time for Bryant to start thinking about retirement and let some new blood take the Lakers to the pinnacle of the NBA. Right now, Bryant is doing more harm than good.

Jason Fletcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

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