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InsideHoops.com is examining each NBA team as the 2005-06 season approaches. Today, a look at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Head Coach: Phil Jackson (14th season, 831-316)

Last season: 34-48, tied for 11th in Western Conference

Projected Starters: PG Smush Parker or Aaron Mckie, SG Kobe Bryant, SF Lamar Odom, PF Kwame Brown, C Chris Mihm

Key Subs: F Brian Cook, G/F Devean George, F/C Slava Medvedenko, G Smush Parker or Aaron McKie, G Sasha Vujacic, F Luke Walton (injured)

New Faces: C Andrew Bynum (draft, 10th pick), F Kwame Brown (traded from Wizards), G Aaron McKie (FA), G William "Smush" Parker (FA), G/F Laron Profit(traded from Wizards), F Ronny Turiaf (draft, 37th pick), G Von Wafer (draft, 39th pick)

Key Losses: F Caron Butler (traded to Wizards), G Chucky Atkins (traded to Wizards), F/C Brian Grant (waived)

Strengths: Bryant, Odom and Jackson. This team's talent lies in the wings. A healthy Kobe should single-handedly keep the Lakers in games against better teams, and Odom is a versatile second option on any team. Jackson's ability to motivate and define roles is unparalleled.

Weaknesses: Bulk, ball-handling and the bench. The only true center on this squad is 18 years old, and Mihm, Brown, Cook and Medvedenko will get manhandled by the Western Conference's better big men. Bryant and Odom are the team's best ball-handlers by default, and the starting point guard slot is still a question mark. Aside from Walton, the Laker reserves have little to offer.

Outlook: It's all relative. This Laker squad should make the playoffs under Jackson's guidance if Kobe and Odom maintain health, but they'll exit early, and in Lakerland, just squeaking into the postseason is not acceptable. GM Mitch Kupchak's inability (or refusal) to sign dependable mid-level free agents such as Antonio Daniels or Reggie Evans will come back to haunt him. Odom could post all-star numbers in the triangle offense if Kobe lets him.

Sure Sign of Trouble: If Brown fails to mature (as Gilbert Arenas recently put it, "We all gotta grow up, man."). Phil Jackson recently stated he was counting on Kwame to contribute 12 ppg and 9 rpg in order for the Lakers to achieve their goals this season. The sensitive big man had difficulty absorbing the constant criticism from former mentor Michael Jordan, and there's no reason to believe things will be any easier with Kobe in his ear.

Craig Rudnick is a psychiatry resident in Tucson, AZ. His hoops skills peaked at age 13, but his love for the game knows no bounds. Craig can be reached at rudcpr@mail.com.

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