Kobe is a Problem, but the Real Problem is Lakers Management

"LaMarcus Aldridge didn't quite gel with Kobe Bryant." Many critics will quickly say that Kobe Bryant was the problem and that Aldridge doesn't want to be a Laker because of the Black Mamba. However, this isn't necessarily true. While Kobe Bryant may have been a small part of the reason Aldridge and many other free agents don't want to sign with the Lakers, he's only there for one year, and probably doesn't play as big a role as many believe in these free agents decisions. The real problem is Lakers management, most notably, Jim Buss.

The Lakers have not landed any marquee free agents since Jim Buss has taken over the team after his father, Jerry, passed away. This is because Jim isn't the charming, charismatic figure that Jerry was. There isn't that mystique about him that you know you're talking to a guy you can trust. There isn't the basketball knowledge and desire to win. All you have is a guy who seems to have a big ego and not want to listen to anyone else that disagrees with him. Jim Buss was supposed to improve the Lakers this offseason after passing up on Jahlil Okafor for the prized point guard, DeAngelo Russell. The idea for the draft pick was that the Lakers would get a big man in free agency. This has not been the case. The Lakers are looking like they're going to strike out in free agency (again) and the bulk of the blame has to be put on Jim Buss who didn't know what LaMarcus Aldridge wanted to hear, he didn't know Larry Nance tweeted about Kobe Bryant, and he didn't know Dwight Howard wanted out of LA and refused to get anything in return for him. 

Jeanie Buss has stated that Jim has 2 more years to get the Lakers back into playoff contention, but will the fans wait that long?