Where to now?

[Portmagpies]

This off-season will be perhaps the most critical in the history of the Lakers franchise.

It's obvious the dynamic duo can no longer carry LA to championships.

Obviously, they need to get players young and good and they need to do it in a hurry before Shaq retires.

But how?

And without the logo, is it even possible?

 

[thehardaway]

Phil Jackson isn't returning
Kobe is opting out
Shaq is rumoured to have asked for a trade

 

[moistie]

Bring back Vlade Divac!!

 

[Thewlis Dish]

Coach Phil Jackson might not be the only one leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team's two biggest stars, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, looked Friday as if they could be playing elsewhere next season.

O'Neal had requested a trade, ESPN.com's Marc Stein has learned. And as expected, Bryant chose to become an unrestricted free agent, saying he will opt out of his contract. Bryant officially will become a free agent July 1.

Jackson, who won three straight championships with the team, agreed with Lakers owner Jerry Buss to end his tenure as coach, the team said in a statement.

Jackson's departure was expected even before he met with Buss after the coach's participation in season-ending interviews with several players earlier in the day.

There could be several less-expected changes to follow.

Karl Malone has already opted out of his contract, although he hopes to play for the Lakers if healthy. Gary Payton and Derek Fisher could follow Bryant and Malone and opt out of their deals.

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