Lakers Surprise Sucess: Things Looking Up In L.A.

Now that Shaq is no longer in L.A., Kobe is facing more problems than he has since the alleged rape claim.

There have been many rumors of Kobe being traded, but due to the no trade clause in his contract he has made it very difficult for the Lakers to do so.

I believe that Kobe wanted out because of the lack of play from his supporting cast.

Lamar Odom was traded there to help out, but his presence hasn't been felt.

With the point guard Derek Fisher now in the lineup, he brings in some needed assistance so they can run the triangle more effectively.

With the emergence of Andrew Bynum, the Lakers season is looking more promising.

Kobe led the league in shot attempts last year with 1,757, and averaged over 22 shot attempts a game. His assists are up this season, while he is currently sixth in the league in shot attempts, averaging only 19 per game. 

In the meantime, Andrew Bynum has been having a career season, giving Kobe the inside presence that he has been missing since Shaq was dealt to Miami.

If Bynum continues to play at this level, the Lakers will continue to win and can become an elite team in the West. 

If the Lakers continue to perform at a high level, I believe that Kobe, along with everyone else, will soon forget about the trade rumors and the "beef" between himself and Phil Jackson.

Kobe will want to stay in L.A. and all problems will be resolved—that's what it all boils down to.

Winning solves everything, and if the Lakers start losing, then look for Kobe to opt-out of his contract and look for somewhere else to shine...