One of the big favourites before the seasons started, Lakers, were not surprisingly knocked out. Really show how important team spirit is, as well as having a coach that commands respect amongst the players. Lakers had either.
As well as much talent or heart. Nash was injured a lot of the year, Kobe was missing for playoffs obviously and Howard has absolutely zero bottle at all. They have one of the worst benches in the entire NBA and too many weaknesses.
Agree, their bench and very little contribution and Kobe had to play through the pain barrier too many times. There are questions about Howard, yes; whether it was the coach that didn't know how to play him (as with Gasol as well) or if Kobe and Howard simply have too big egos to function together in a team.
Lakers also have the biggest salary expenditure and got some high paid, under achieving players like Meta Peace.