Though the Lakers still have plenty of talent, not to mention some of the best stars in the NBA, they have some work to do if they want to get back in the NBA Finals.  After hiring Mike Brown, the Lakers now move into a new era, one in which they’ll have to find the next piece to push them over the hump.  Failing that, the Lakers will likely watch teams like the Thunder and Blazers step up and take over the Western Conference.

But even if the Lakers don’t win another title any time soon, it’s already been a great run.  Pau Gasol has helped get the Lakers to three consecutive wins and two championships, pushing Kobe Bryant to five titles in total and getting Phil Jackson to 11.  Now the Lakers are left with a superstar still playing well but in twilight of his career, a nice number two option and some major holes to fill.  One of the bigger holes to fill is at point guard, where the Lakers were consistently hurt in the regular season and the playoffs.  Though the Lakers have a nice inside out combo still left in place, they need to upgrade their talent surrounding the Big Two and Andrew Bynum, who has been the subject of plenty of trade rumors over the last month of so.  Mike Brown should bring a defensive expertise and intensity that the Lakers could definitely use, but we’ll see if it’s enough to get them back to the top of the league.

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