(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Today marks a completion to a seemingly endless journey. 

As the Lakers celebrated their 15th NBA title in downtown Los Angeles, there’s one question that remains unanswered.

Can they repeat it?

And if so, what’s required of them to complete such a task? Should they bring back the entire group for another 82 game season or will it benefit the Lakers to slightly restructure?

Since 1980, only a handful of teams have won back-to-back titles—the Lakers, the Bulls, the Rockets, and the Pistons.

For any given team, there’s no certainty in winning multiple titles, let alone winning them one after another. 

It takes a great core of players, a headstrong coach, and a devoted management team to collectively move forward in an effort to become part of that elite group that were privileged to be labeled as a dynasty.

In order for Kobe and the Lakers to achieve this momentous level, they must not only create a strong core, but they have to adapt and react to the changes in the league.

Just like making a bowl of mama’s spaghetti, or baking a moist chocolate cake, or mixing up a refreshing glass of your favorite cocktail, there’s a recipe that each must follow.

In order for the Lakers to repeat in 2010, they must complete the following tasks during this upcoming off-season.

No.1: Build the Foundation

What did the Lakers, the Bulls, the Pistons, and Rockets have that no other team had when they won their respective titles?

They had a foundation. 

The Lakers had Magic, the Bulls had Michael, the Pistons had Isaiah, and the Rockets had Hakeem. In order for the Lakers to win again in 2010, they must have a solid foundation.

That foundation is Kobe.

Kobe currently has a player option during this off-season and is expected to pick up the option to position for a lucrative contract extension.

I can’t speculate on what the asking price is for Kobe, but there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll stay in a purple and gold uniform and ultimately retire as a Laker.

And thus, with Kobe and Pau holding down the front, we have our base to the recipe.

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