OPINION

By Nathaniel Friedman

updated 8:10 p.m. ET May 27, 2008

Particularly as the playoffs wind down, people tend to talk about a team's "window of opportunity." That was the case with the Phoenix Suns, who effectively shut theirs with one risky trade. The San Antonio Spurs are seemingly ageless, but in the attic somewhere is a photo that says otherwise. For the Boston Celtics, Ray Allen might have passed his prime this postseason, and KG is in the later, mature phase of his.

But you rarely hear any ominous comments about the future of the Lakers. And why would you? Kobe Bryant, at the absolute zenith of his game, hasn't yet turned 30. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, the key cogs in the team's versatile frontcourt, are even younger. Jordan Farmar, Ronny Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic are younger still. And Andrew Bynum, who may turn out to be the team's next great center, still isn't old enough to drink.

Looking down the road, though, there's plenty of uncertainty facing what appears to be a powerhouse on the rise. Mitch Kupchak and company have four major decisions to make; if they play their cards right, the Lakers could have another dynasty on their hands. Alternatively, if they make the wrong moves, 2007-08 could mark the beginning of the end.

This summer, all management has to do is come to terms with Turiaf and Vujacic. These two have developed into valuable role players, the kind of glue guys who provide stars such as Kobe and Gasol proper support — and allow them some room for error. Both Turiaf and Vujacic will probably look to stay, but it's important the team make retaining them a priority.

Things get tricky after 2008-09 season. For one, Odom will be an unrestricted free agent. The enigmatic forward has never played better than he has alongside Gasol; what's more, being liberated from the paint has allowed him to stay injury-free. Before Gasol's arrival, Odom seemed expendable. Now, his passing and the constant mismatches he poses have become integral components to this offense. He's happy and productive in L.A., and, for the first time since he left Miami, a team has figured out how to use him.

Unfortunately, now that Odom has put his best foot forward, he's not going to come cheap, although there's no way he'll command as much as the $14 million per year he's currently making. There's also a good chance he wants a ring, wants to stay with the Lakers, and won't just be wooed by the highest bidder. Still, with Odom's stock at an all-time high, keeping him around will require a significant commitment. Whether the organization is willing to make that depends on whether or not they understand just how important Odom is.

However, the Lakers organization may be completely overwhelmed and distracted by Bynum. He's an unrestricted free agent following the 2009-10 season, which means the summer of 2009 is the time for the two parties to work out a long-term extension. So, in effect, the 7-footer's 2008-09 performance will determine how much money the team is willing to sink into its big man of the future. They might well enter 2009-10 with three max contracts — something a team only wants to mess with if it's got the trophy solidly within its grasp.

Special feature Main attraction A look at the highs and lows of Lakers guard Kobe Bryant's career. NBCSports.com

Suppose Bynum's injury lingers, leading to an inconclusive or patchy 2008-09. Do the Lakers risk letting him enter restricted free agency the following summer, which could only raise the stakes?

At this point, there's no way of knowing how good Bynum will become. Plus, if the Lakers capture the championship this season, all of a sudden they'll have additional leverage. Bynum wouldn't be expendable, but the team would no longer be forced to keep him at almost any cost. That scenario would also make re-signing Odom more of a given.

Special feature Celebs at the NBA Finals Check out big stars watching the Finals from the good seats. NBCSports.com

Ideally, the Lakers will find a way to keep both players. If it comes down to one or the other, though, the wrong choice could mean the difference between three titles and none.

After 2010-11, both Kobe and Gasol are unrestricted free agents. If this Lakers team proves to be a tremendous disappointment, one or both could walk. The same could happen if things go downhill or sour, as they did with a certain other Phil/Kobe team. They could re-sign in search of a ring that's eluded their crew up to that point. Or maybe they'll choose to finish their careers with Los Angeles.

Slide show The second season Slide show: Top images from the 2008 NBA playoffs. NBCSports.com

That time may seem like it's too far off to even consider. But it's only three years away, and what happens then will depend on what happens the next two summers. Because of this, the Lakers might have as brief a window as any team left in the playoffs. Or they could head into 2010 with a 33 year-old Kobe, a pair of wise vets in Gasol and Odom, a monster in Bynum, and more championships yet to come. We'll just have to wait and see.

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