Originally Posted by
yisman
The Lakers are thin even with Gasol and Nash.
Without them, they're left with four players:
Artest (not that good), Kobe, Howard, and Jordan Hill (possibly starting caliber)
the rest of the team is comprised of guys who shouldn't be playing minutes for a contender.
Duhon, Jamison, Ebanks, Morris, and Meeks
So it's no great surprise the Lakers are seriously struggling. As presently constructed, they can't afford injuries to Kobe, Howard, Gasol, or Nash.
Kobe and Howard are playing 42-44 minutes a game.
That doesn't go well with back to backs.