Lakers Decade of Dominance Nearing End; How Much Longer Can They Contend?

Despite the fact that as fans, we are being forced to suffer through this NBA lockout, I know there is one question in the back of all you Laker fans minds, "What will we do when Kobe retires?"

If the NBA loses the whole 2011-2012 season, the Lakers will be one of the teams who suffers the most.

Even though he doesn't voice it, we know Kobe Bryant wants that sixth ring and in reality, he is not getting any younger.

He may have three to four solid years left in him, and that's pushing it.  Let's remember that this guy has been in the league so long he wasn't even old enough to sign his first NBA paycheck and has played basketball well into the postseason for a majority of his career.

Accompanied by an aging point guard in Derek Fisher, say goodbye to the Lakers' backcourt in a few years.

Yes, it has looked as though the Lakers would be down and out before.  They have lost great players to trades, retirements and even disease.  

But they have never lost a caliber of player such as Kobe Bryant, arguably the best ever to play the game.

We can look at Michael Jordan's Bulls and what happen to them when he retired.  They did not become relevant again until last year, thanks to a No. 1pick after an atrocious season and a lot of rebuilding along the way.

Although the Chicago Bulls did have their time, they are not considered one of the greatest franchises in NBA history such as the Lakers or the Celtics.  

Laker fans will not be as understanding and patient with the organization, because all they know is winning.

Not only are Kobe and the Lakers getting older, but other teams, specifically in the East, are getting stronger, better and faster.  

Even though the Miami Heat lost in the finals this past year, it is safe to say they will play a part who wins the championship for years to come, with up-and-coming teams like the Bulls and the Knicks in the East flexing their abilities as well.

The West has their own share of improving teams standing in the Lakers' way including the champion Mavericks, exciting and young Thunder, and sure to be healthy after the lockout Trail Blazers.

Kobe can only carry a team on his back for so long, and with the lack of young talent surrounding him, Laker fans are surely worried about the future of their sacred franchise.

All I can say is that Laker fans better be praying every night for Dwight Howard to make the move to Los Angeles if they want to continue to see the Lakers' name on the list of contenders from year to year...like they are used to.