With the NBA season about to tip off, fans everywhere are wondering what's going to happen with the L.A. Lakers.

Jeannie Buss holds a lot of sway... not only is she the daughter of team owner Jerry Buss and an executive with the team, she's Phil Jackson's girlfriend. < p>

Jackson is reportedly still tinkering with his lineup, and at least one site has rumored that it will be a less uptempo offense. Who knows how much input Jeannie Buss has on player personnel decisions.

Kobe Bryant has had a long feud with Jerry Buss, and some reports say it has become personal. Will Kobe even be in a Lakers uniform when the NBA season begins on Oct. 30th?

Fox Sports has an interesting on the whole saga; it plays out like a soap opera. Jeannie Buss, Jerry Buss, Phil Jackson, and Kobe Bryant ... you can bet Shaquille O'Neal is glad to have gotten far away from that whole mess.