Have people got amnesia and not noticed the Lakers NEED Kobe to play 48 mins as of right now due to injuries and a push to make the playoffs. Regardless of what you mouth-breathers think this is the only way. Now, will this lead to success in the playoffs, my money is on no, however; we're too late in the game to worry about minutes and who's in and who's out. The Laker's need to address a competent back up for Kobe next year, or it will be his last.