Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers' 2011-12 Season

Coming off a disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the loss of Phil Jackson and the controversial arrival of Mike Brown, there will be plenty to watch this season for fans of the Lakers.

There are so many questions yet to be answered, and so many different ways this season could end up.

Whether or not the Lakers are ready, once the season starts, all eyes will back on them. Will they answer the call?

These are my predictions for the 2011-12 Lakers' season.

1. Derek Fisher Moves to the Bench

For years, people have been calling for Fisher to go to the bench and I've disagreed. This year, however, it may finally be time. Whether it's Steve Blake or someone else, I have a good feeling that Mike Brown won't hesitate to move Derek to the bench. Perhaps he'll come in at the end of the games and key moments throughout, but don't expect him to play more the 20-25 minutes this season.

2. Andrew Bynum Becomes the Second Option

After he serves his well-earned five-game suspension, the big man is going to rule the post. After this postseason, I think it truly is time for Mr. Bynum to step into his own. Phil Jackson always liked Andrew, but didn't love him. I have a feeling Mike Brown will love Andrew Bynum.

Sure, Pau will still get his, but it will probably be around 15 and 9. I could see Andrew playing 40 minutes a night in Brown's offense and getting at least 18 and 10.

Brown loves defense and has a great positive energy. I think Bynum will respond well to that and finally step into his own.

3. Lamar Runs a Little Point

He probably wont be the starting point guard the Lakers are looking for, but don't be surprised to see Lamar come off the bench and run the offense.

In a less complex system than the triangle and one that will certainly need a point guard, look for Lamar to take up some of that time. Don't forget just how many times LeBron used to bring the ball up the court for Brown when he was in Cleveland, so it isn't far fetched to consider Lamar in that position this season.

4. Mike Brown Silences the Critics

Has there ever been more pressure to fill a job? The last time Phil Jackson left, it was a disaster. This time, everyone is expecting a disaster.

Unless this team starts out 33-0, Mike Brown will likely take a lot of heat. If he tries to do anything different from the last regime and fails, he could be gone by the All-Star game.

However, I believe he will rise to the challenge. He's inherited a veteran group of players that knows how to win, a very different team than the last one he coached.

While he might not have been the No. 1 choice for many fans, I think he'll earn their approval soon enough.

5. Kobe Bryant's Game Reaches New Heights

How can a five-time champion get any better?

For one thing, he's been struggling with a bad knee for the last couple of seasons.

This summer, he went through a revolutionary procedure that seems to be working, as evidenced by his itching to get on the court so badly he's willing to go play in Italy.

Plus, the man is constantly developing his game and with a new coach who will energize the entire team, look for a very motivated, very healthy and very dominating Kobe Bryant.

Will they win the title this year? Who knows. Will Kobe be on the top of his game come June? You bet.