And Fisher is hoping Bynum’s return provides the catalyst for that improvement.

“We hope in some ways. Not singularly, but we do hope his size and his ability not only to block shots but to change shots, and to be a double-digit rebounder for us, will be a big key,” Fisher said. “It definitely won’t be just his presence that we feel will make the difference. We feel like there are some other areas we need to improve on, such as limiting ball penetration from perimeter players.”

In this lust to develop a more formidable defense, the Lakers won’t neglect their offense. Topic No. 1 begins and ends with Bryant, who was last year’s MVP. With help from Bynum (before he was injured) and later Gasol, Bryant had his most effective season in terms of teamwork, and it also seemed to be his happiest. Even a finger injury suffered in a game against New Jersey on Feb. 5 — he tore a ligament and suffered a loose bone fragment in his right pinkie — did not spoil his party.

He helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics this summer, and then opted not to have surgery on the finger in September.

“He has learned to play with the problem,” Kupchak said. “Your digits in this business never end up looking like they did when you were 21 anyway. It’s something you address and learn to play with.”

And then there is the twin-tower arrangement of Bynum and Gasol. The two did not play together last year, as Bynum went down with a dislocated kneecap on Jan. 13 and the trade that brought Gasol to Los Angeles from Memphis didn’t happen until early February.

The results during training camp and in preseason games have been mildly encouraging. But it’s clearly a work in progress.

“We just have to continue to play together,” said Gasol, who moves to power forward so Bynum can take over again at center. “Not just the two of us, but all five guys that are out there. It’s a matter of jelling and getting used to each other and being on the same page. That happens with games and time.”

But unless they learn to stop the other team, it won’t matter much.

“We know our defense will be crucial during the year and the postseason,” Gasol said.

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