Sorry I might be reading between the lines. I hate it when other people do that to me too...
Odom is an accomplished player who has been in the league for 8 years. he also serve on the team USA and played well. he is boearderline allstar at forward position he will never be an allstar in west. considering his competitors are Dirk, Duncan, Marion, Brand, Pau, Melo, Boozer, not mentioning KG.from before. He does not look like someone can be motivated when going gets tough and definitely did not rise to the challenge as a wingman with Kobe being in the driver seat Odom just cruises, I think his career has reach it's peak.
Hinrich is just beganning to blossom, He has taking on tough challenges and responded, he will be a tough competitor with Kobe next to him. He will also be so much more effective if Ben can guard somebody at the 2 position instead of Hinrich going both ways on PG and D-up the best scorer .
Wallace is playing like he is 40 years old, yes he does not look too good at this point but I think he will play inspired basketball if there is a core leadship that can lite a fire under his ass. bynum plays like he is 20 years old (and he is) He has unlimited potential front of him ( perhaps the best out of all the players we have mentioned). But at this point I rather go to war with Ben than Dre any day of the week. Joe Smith is playing well, this former number 1 pick is smarter, more experienced, more motivated and a better player than the number 1 pick that plays for LA.
It looks like Kobe is in a good situation now with LA. beside the slow start versus Houston, they have beaten 2 of the top teams from the west. But as for Chicago's sake, With Kobe they will be closer to the Championships, but if they don't get that ring in 2 years, they will be in deep SXXX.
That is my opinion...