The Lakers are not exactly horrible yet. I don't think Kobe's going anywhere unless it is some blockbuster offer.
The Lakers will be fine this year. They'll probably do better than they did last year in the playoffs, just because I think Phil lost interest. On any given day they can beat any team in the West, particularly since Dallas let Chandler go.
Players move from team to team, and some remain loathsome wherever they are. I never could bring myself to root for Ruben Patterson, JR Rider or Kenny Anderson. I never hated Pippen as a person, and there are plenty of Lakers I wouldn't mind - Pau first and foremost, because he's a great guy on top of being a great player. Kobe is certainly a great player. Well, was. He's still very good.
Kobe needs to be patient. If I were him, I'd ask management point blank about who they're pursuing with their trade exemption. Of course, maybe he has and hence the piss-off-dom. edit: Of course it could be this
