Coming off a miserable 2015-16 campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers have nowhere to go but up–which is why fans everywhere should be excited about this season’s outlook.
To say that the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2015-16 season was a disaster is a huge understatement. It was an absolute train wreck, especially when you consider the overwhelming amount of success the franchise has enjoyed over the years.
So why should fans be any bit excited about the upcoming 2016-17 campaign? Did the Lakers really improve that much this offseason to where a positive outlook is plausible?
Logic would say “no,” but that doesn’t mean this Los Angeles squad can’t surprise. There’s more than enough upside on the roster to make some noise this season.
One might even go as far as saying the Lakers have an outside chance of sneaking into the playoffs if a few things go their way during the regular season.
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At this point, it’s all speculation. We can only comment on what we know, and that’s not a whole lot as we creep up on September. Still, it’s worth noting that there’s room for optimism under those bright Hollywood lights.
So here they are–my five reasons for Lakers fans to not give up on the 2016-17 season before it even begins.
Next: A Familiar Face Leading The Way
The Hiring Of Luke Walton
Young, relatively inexperienced head coaches are always a bit concerning in the NBA. You never quite know what you’re going to get, especially when they take over a rebuilding roster like the Lakers’.
And yet, I couldn’t think of a better way to start this off than by mentioning the buzz surrounding the hiring of Luke Walton. The former Lakers bench player never really saw his star rise as a player, but it’s looking like he could be headed for a huge career with a clipboard in his hands.
Luckily for the Lakers, he was nice enough to bring his talents back to the Staples Center.
Walton spent the last two years as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors. During that time, he played a huge role in their unparalleled success, including serving as interim head coach during the team’s historic 24-0 start last season.
He parlayed that success into his current position, which could be the start of great things for the Lakers. Walton is well-respected among the NBA community, and proved last year that he’s more than capable of leading a team to victory.
The hill may be harder to climb in Los Angeles, but he’s got a solid foundation of talent to work with.
In my opinion, it all starts with a great coach. The Lakers found that in Walton, which is why fans should be very optimistic about this team’s chances in 2016-17.
Next: A Rookie With A Sky-High Ceiling
The Drafting Of Brandon Ingram
In June, the Lakers spent the second overall pick on Brandon Ingram.
While his short-term outlook may not be as bright as top pick Ben Simmons‘, the sky is the limit for the youngster out of Duke. The only question is how quickly will he deliver for the Lakers?
No matter what the answer to that question is, the presence of Ingram has Los Angeles fans excited in 2016-17. And why not? He’s a sensational prospect with the length, athleticism and scoring ability to be a star for the Lakers.
It also helps build the hype when he earns comparisons to Kevin Durant.
Ingram is another exciting addition to this purple and gold squad that has a ton of young potential on the roster. Based on early analysis, he may even turn out to be the best of the bunch.
Any current judgments are obviously premature, but you gotta like what the former Blue Devil brings to the table.
I wouldn’t get your hopes too high on Ingram being a superstar as a rookie. Temper your expectations, and just enjoy watching the 18-year-old sensation blossom in 2016-17.
Next: A Starting Lineup Full Of Potential
A Slew Of Exciting Young Playmakers
The drafting of Ingram was a great next step in the Lakers’ rebuilding process. However, we can’t overlook some of the excellent prospects already on the roster.
How can we forget the underrated abilities of Jordan Clarkson? The former second-round pick has proven himself to be a diamond in the rough.
Or what about Julius Randle? While he hasn’t emerged as a star in Los Angeles, the athletic power forward showed excellent progress in 2015-16 and still has more room to grow.
However, the one I’m really excited about is D’Angelo Russell. You should be, too.
Yes, he had his ups and downs as a rookie last year. It took him some time to adjust to life in the NBA, and he made some questionable decisions that clearly broke the bro code. Still, he flashed superstar potential at times, and looked determined to shine bright during Summer League.
Realistically, all three aforementioned players could enjoy breakout seasons in 2016-17. They’ve all gotten a taste of glory in the NBA, and will be hungry for more in the coming months. The stage is set for the three to carry this Lakers team into a much brighter future.
Oh, and we can’t forget about Larry Nance Jr. The guy sure can throw down with the best of them.
Next: An Aging Legend Enjoying Retirement
The End Of The Kobe Bryant Era
I’m sure this is going to be taken the wrong way, but it is what it is.
As amazing as Kobe Bryant‘s career was, he became a bit of nuisance in the final few years of his time in Los Angeles. His exorbitant contract limited the Lakers’ flexibility. His headstrong, lone-wolf ways scared potential free agents away.
And then there’s the whole being labeled as a ball hog thing.
He’ll always be a legend, but it’s a good thing he’s enjoying the retired life now.
With Bryant no longer on the roster, the Lakers will have every opportunity to let the aforementioned young playmakers shine. Russell and Clarkson can take over as one of the NBA’s most exciting backcourt duos.
Ingram can step in as the scoring threat that keeps opposing coaches up at night. Put simply, all the pieces can start falling into place.
I don’t want to belittle what Bryant did for the Lakers, because he did A LOT. However, he also hindered this team down the stretch, as difficult as it is for some fans to admit that.
The Black Mamba will always have LA’s heart, but you can’t deny there were times when he did more bad than good for this team.
Kobe’s gone, and his absence may just pave the way towards a brighter future for the Lakers.
Next: A New Direction For A Historic Franchise
Nowhere To Go But Up
Realistically, the Lakers hit rock bottom in 2015-16. The team finished with a record of 17-65, the worst mark in franchise history. The only thing that even kept fans paying attention was the farewell tour of Bryant, but even that was a mess at times.
Luckily, there’s a lot more to look forward to in 2016-17.
The one thing that really sticks out, though, is that there’s nowhere to go but up from here. Unless the Lakers plan on stooping to the level of the Philadelphia 76ers, they can’t get any worse than they were last season. At this point, it’s just not possible.
Sure, there are going to be some growing pains with this young group of rising stars. Ingram will look like a rookie at times, and the pundits will call into question his worthiness of the No. 2 overall pick.
I’m sure Russell will fall into a slump or two, and rumors will be made up that he’s on the trading block.
It all comes with the territory. Anyone familiar with this Lakers team knows that all too well. They also know that playing for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises is one of the greatest honors in professional sports–at least, it used to be.
More hoops habit: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers' 2016-17 Season
The Lakers may not make the playoffs like I boldly predicted, but it’s going to get better. That, in my opinion, is reason enough to stay tuned in 2016-17.