2012 NBA Playoffs: Andrew Bynum, Metta World Peace and an Uncertain Laker Future

There's a time in sports when everyone just gets old. Michael Jordan got that way. Emmitt Smith got that way. Countless others reach a point when their bodies just cannot do what they used to.

Kobe Bryant hasn't reached that point. But his team sure has. After being run out of the building by the younger, more explosive Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers have some serious questions to answer.

For one, what to do with Andrew Bynum? The 24-year-old center has a world of talent, yet has not been able to take it to the next level consistently. He'll be getting knee surgery this summer, and has a $16.1 million option hanging over everything. 

What about Metta World Peace? For all his antics, World Peace is still an effective player. But will the Lakers want to keep him and his actions around?

And what about Pau Gasol? Certainly, it seems he's lost something, whether it's age or something else. Does he still have enough value to bring back something useful?

And then there's Mike Brown. Much maligned, especially by World Peace, Brown is a more than competent coach, but there are many fans calling for his exit.

Laker management will have plenty of decisions to make this offseason. But the goal is clear: Surround Bryant with enough talent to get him one more legitimate shot at a world title. Do they make a run at Steve Nash? What about Andre Miller? Or will they go after the big prize and make a run at Dwight Howard?

Owner Jerry Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak have a lot of work to do. This offseason will determine whether or not they can get Kobe another title. It will be very interesting to see how they go about it. Whatever transpires, there is never a shortage of intrigue in Lakerland. This offseason is no exception.