After the failed Los Angeles Lakers experiment of last season, it could be argued that too many superstars on a single team can be a detriment rather than benefit.

Kobe Bryant blamed coach Phil Jackson and Shaquille O'Neal for the team's mishap, and even went as far as to accuse Karl Malone of hitting on his wife. Gary Payton wanted the ball every time and absolutely refused to learn the system.

But after the Penn State women's indoor track team's first three meets of the season, the theory that too many superstars on one team is a negative can easily be disputed with one glance at the throwing cage.

Senior throws captain Kate Johnston and junior thrower Jennifer Leatherman both compete for Penn State, and both have the competitive superstar mentality.

But unlike the disaster in Los Angeles, the two have achieved a relationship that is both competitive and constructive.

At the Penn State Relays, Leatherman broke the Penn State 20-pound weight throw record and placed first. Johnston was right behind her. After that meet, Leatherman attributed some of the day's success to Johnston's presence.

"Kate Johnston did a great job," Leatherman said.

"She pushed me today in the weight."

Again at the Penn State Women's Open, Leatherman placed first in the event.

Right on her heels was Johnston. And just this past weekend at the Penn State National Open, Leatherman placed second with Johnston behind her again after a personal-best throw, good for a third-place finish and an NCAA provisional mark.

And although the two provide the most competition for each other, Johnston described the relationship between her and Leatherman as nothing but positive.

"It's a really healthy competitive atmosphere," Johnston said.

"Not that I've ever really seen before," she added.

During the meets, it is not uncommon to witness Johnston and Leatherman standing together on the sidelines offering advice and encouragement to each other, or just hanging out together and enjoying the rest of the meet.

"We're bouncing ideas off each other and training together," Johnston said. "I think it's really helped out a lot for both us."

Johnston also said that, at times, personal motivation may not be enough.

Having a teammate of Leatherman's caliber, she added, can certainly help to push her to throw better.

Furthermore, Johnston hopes that her experience and advice can help Leatherman become an even better athlete.

Johnston has been throwing since high school, while Leatherman basically started in college.

Johnston thinks that Leatherman is already an incredible athlete and will only improve as she gains more experience.

More importantly, though, is the positive relationship these two have built even while competing against each other.

"She has great composure as a teammate," Johnston said.

"She can cheer you on if you're right ahead of her, or right behind her."