More Lakers analysis...

There's been lots of talk about the "dynasty" breaking up next year. But I'm not fretting too much. The key to keeping the team together will be to win the championship and to give Kobe the MVP. Here's why...

Kobe's biggest gripe about playing with the Lakers is that he's not able to shine under the shadows of Shaq. But if he gets the MVP trophy, that'll qualm his concerns. In him picking up the MVP, that'll justify Kobe geting a fat contract from Jerry Buss at the end of the season. Buss is going to do whatever it takes to keep Kobe around because that's his Golden Son. The Lakers can afford to put a big portion of their money into retaining Kobe because Shaq's getting old. As dominant of a player as Shaq is, it's simply not worth Buss' energy to keep him around for very long. But cuz Shaq WANTS to play here, he's going to stay too, assuming that his offer is "good enough."

With Kobe and Shaq still around, Phil's not gonna go into early retirement. Despite all the problems he's had with these two, he recently said that this was an "easy season." HA! Riiight... whatever. Phil's not going anywhere because if he sees a chance to win another championship, he'd be a fool to turn it down.

So moving on to Karl and Gary... if Kobe, Shaq and Phil stick around, they're ALL going to stay. Karl was welcomed with open arms by LA. And Gary's finally found his place within the Laker offense. As long as Karl and Gary get their championship rings, they'll be content.

Derek's not going anywhere either, unless he chokes big time in the Finals like the way Robert Horry did. Poor Rob couldn't hit that 3 last year, and that's why he's with San Antonio now. But as of now, Derek's pretty much a hero in LA; he renewed his contract with that infamous 0.4 second shot. (Gustavo says LA should build a statue of him.)

The only starter that I think might be leaving will be Devean, but I don't really care for him anyway. The one I'm worried about is Slava. Slava, you're my man... hope I see you in LA next year.