How Can Jim Buss Win Over Lakers Fans?

March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

1. Re-sign Kobe Bryant to a Team Friendly Extension

Lakers fans love Kobe. That couldn’t be more of an understatement. If Kobe ever left the Lakers, fans rioting wouldn’t be out of the question (It happens when they win a title). So Jim’s next big move has to be retaining Kobe Bryant. But Jim can’t afford to field a competitive team if he is paying Kobe Bryant $15+ million per season. That huge cap space doesn’t look so desirable once you take into account Kobe’s $30 million cap hold. So the Lakers, and Jim Buss, need to work with Kobe early to get his new contract sorted out. By having that $30 million cap hold on the books, it will essentially bar the Lakers from chasing after any free agents. Could the Lakers convince Kobe to take a Monta Ellis-type 3-year $25 million deal? If he can pull that off, the Lakers will certainly have a brighter future.