Do La Lakers need Kobe Bryant?

Maybe not, and you're right in some ways. The Lakers already have the most amount of talent of any NBA team with or without Kobe. But if Kobe did leave the Lakers like a sudden career-ending injury or something, I think the Lakers will be fine maybe just not as good. Personally I believe that even without Kobe, if they even find a mediocre SG, then they should be good to go because the true key players for chemistry and success are Bynum and Gasol. But remember it's defense and focus that are the real key ingredients for a team to winning a championship and not just talent. The Celtics and Pistons proved that against the Lakers in the 04 and 08 finals.