What's Next For The Lakers?

        There’s no reason for the Lakers front office to panic neither should their fan base, this injury can be a positive for both Bryant and the Lakers.

        For the fans clamoring about playoffs give it up, the Lakers are currently 11^th in the Western Conference with odds not being in their favor on making a post-season appearance. 

         The injury for Bryant seems as if the positives are impossible to find, but I disagree. With Bryant being out a minimum of six weeks it gives him time to not only let his Achilles get stronger, but it also give his legs some much needed rest. Bryant ranks fifth all-time in NBA history in regular season and playoff minutes combined logging 54,163 minutes.

        For the Lakers front office this gives them a chance to evaluate the young talent on their roster, deciding on who will make the cut for next season, and who they’ll have to part ways with. This injury to Bryant is going to give some of the unproven Lakers on the roster a time to shine. Nick Young, Xavier Henry and Wesley Johnson are not just auditioning for a multi-year with the Lakers, but also trying to prove to other NBA teams that they can be serviceable NBA players. Young has been the best of the three over the course of the season averaging 14.9 points per game on 44 percent shooting.

        Looking ahead to the draft in June, the Lakers have one first-round pick which is extremely valuable in a draft that is heralded as the best class since 2003 that feature LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade. After all the Lakers could use a young athletic point guard or wing player, and from what scouts and experts say this draft class is loaded with talent. This sets up perfect for the Lakers to draft a player that can be groomed under Bryant on what it takes to be a successful pro in the NBA today.

         It's unlike that Bryant will sit out the remainder of the season, so for those who've pondered the idea you can end that thought process.

        Despite the injuries that have hindered the Lakers, the overall goal is to compete to a level high enough to where they can recruit another superstar as Bryant prepares to sail into the sunset.