Kobe Bryant is out with an injury again, barely two weeks after his return from an Achilles tear. It's time for 'the other guys' to step up, like they did for the entire season.

Coach Mike D'Antoni has often been maligned for blowing last year's dream lineup. This season had none of that dream lineup except for Pau Gasol. With a group of discards and no expectations at all, 'Pringles' has yielded similar results. He has brought out the best from these underdogs and also-rans.

It should be recalled that it was under the D'Antoni system in the New York Knicks when one undrafted, reserve guard who has been cut by three previous teams became a star. This was none other than Jeremy Lin.

The Lakers line-up is nothing to get excited about. Former draft lottery busts like Wesley Johnson and Jordan Hill. Forgotten players like Nick Young and Xavier Henry.

They recently spoke with USA Today. Xavier Henry who used to be a star in Kansas University, is playing the best ball in his career: "In my previous three years, I was worried about doing everything right just to stay on the floor. It's hard to play like that. Here you can just play through a mistake. Now, I can play carefree. That's why I enjoy it."

"Here, they actually just let you play. They don't say, 'Do this. Do that.' They say, 'Go play your game and we'll tailor it as we go on.' He doesn't let you go out there and go crazy. But they at least let you show what you can do."

That's the upside of a rebuilding year. Despite being in the Tinseltown spotlight, most fans already understand the situation and what the Lakers are trying to achieve in the long term.

Jordan Hill was a 6^th overall pick, is on his third team in five seasons: "If I can get 30 minutes a game, I can average a double-double. I'm relentless on the boards. Every miss is an opportunity for me to beat the opponent to the ball.

"I just want to help my team out in any way possible and win as many games as possible. I'm a competitor. I go down to the paint, and I like to play hard and I like to play rough."

This year is the perfect opportunity for them to revive their careers. The Lakers will probably make an effort to retain Henry and Wesley Johnson. Jordan Hill will probably get offers from other teams, the Lakers would be stupid not to match. Nick Young is still under contract.

Jordan Farmar has displayed starter's capability, but he got injured. Just like the Boston Celtics, they have developed a chemistry that made them a surprise team for this season.

The supporting cast is complete. Now all they need is a lead star to go with their injured Mamba.