The survey was not without its surprises.
If the general managers are correct, Cleveland forward LeBron James will dethrone Bryant as the league MVP. James received 56% of the vote, Bryant received 37%, and New Orleans guard Chris Paul was a distant third with 7%.
Bryant, however, received 89% of the vote when general managers were asked which player they would want taking a shot with the game on the line. It was the seventh consecutive season in which Bryant received the most votes in the category.
Big things were also predicted for Bynum, who received the highest percentage of votes (19%) for the player most likely to have a breakout season.
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The fifth Laker
It looks more and more as if Vladimir Radmanovic will be the regular-season starter at small forward.
Jackson likes the idea of a shooter who can stretch the defense, and Radmanovic fits the bill more than Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.
Radmanovic has averaged eight points while starting the last four exhibition games, though he has made only three of 13 three-point attempts (23.1%) in the same span.
Radmanovic played Tuesday with a soft splint on the middle finger of his left hand. He sprained the finger in Sunday's game against Toronto.
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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
