Los Angeles Lakers will go as far as a healthy Kobe Bryant will take them

It could be another long season for the Los Angeles Lakers unless guard Kobe Bryant remains healthy throughout the season

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After a rough season, the Los Angeles Lakers are hoping they can stay healthy and make a run at the playoffs this season. Both Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant missed a majority of the season last year.

According to Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers will go as far as a healthy Kobe Bryant will take them.

"Not that Nash isn’t capable of reminding all of us of just how skilled and crafty he can be for certain stretches, but you just don’t know how his body will hold up for extended periods of time given how the past couple seasons have gone. For the Lakers’ side of things, it has to be Bryant. While they went out and brought in some intriguing pieces beyond obviously drafting Randle and Clarkson (purchased pick), this team still is going to be able to lean heavily upon Bryant for both productivity and leadership in his return. He shouldn’t be expected to return 2008-2010 form, but they will need him to be steady and productive for a minimum of 70 games in order to remain at least competitive on a regular basis."

Of course, even if Bryant is healthy, his skills are in obvious decline. In a loaded Western Conference, it would be difficult to make the postseason with a healthy Bryant and Nash. The Lakers will need every break to go their way.

Kobe Bryant averaged 13.1 points, 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.5% from the field, 18.8% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free throw line. He has averaged 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, 33.5% from three and 83.8% from the charity stripe in his career.

It could be another long season for the Los Angeles Lakers unless guard Kobe Bryant remains healthy throughout the season

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