Why should they? Even with two of their top three scorers injured, the Lakers still were able to beat the competition, and owner Jerry Buss believes the team is good enough to continue its reign as champs without adding more salary. They already are spending $91.3 million in payroll and $21.4 million in luxury taxes, and also have committed $83.7 million for eight players next season.
The Lakers plan to sit back as other teams attempt to make blockbuster adjustments to measure up to the champs.
During All-Star Weekend, when Kobe Bryant was told that other teams are figuring out what they need to do to ultimately trump the Lakers, he grinned and said to NBA.com, "I'm aware of that."
