Los Angeles Lakers: Winning Games Isn’t Paramount

Sep 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton (center) poses with guard D'Angelo Russell (1), guard Julius Randle (30) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) at media day at Toyota Sports Center.. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton (center) poses with guard D'Angelo Russell (1), guard Julius Randle (30) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) at media day at Toyota Sports Center.. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a franchise-worst 17-win season but improving that number is far from the most important part of 2016-17.

Lakers
Sep 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton (center) poses with guard D’Angelo Russell (1), guard Julius Randle (30) and guard Jordan Clarkson (6) at media day at Toyota Sports Center.. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers fans are currently sitting in the NBA’s departure lounge preparing to board flight 2016-17. A flight which they hope will run smoothly in the hands of Captain Luke Walton and his crew of veterans and youngsters, but in reality, is likely to hit some turbulence.

For some, they are expecting first-class service on a coach ticket. For others, they know it’s a long journey and have prepared themselves accordingly.

How fans review the season, in the end, will vary depending on personal experiences but as Jalen Rose recently said on his podcast, “happiness is a function of expectation.”

Creating realistic expectations and setting achievable goals is the key to happiness for the locals on the purple and gold side of La La Land.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Los Angeles Lakers

In a time where one of the greatest players even in LeBron James is still leading his teams to championships and the best regular season team ever is right behind him, it’s tough for rebuilding teams to accumulate wins.

To avoid disappointment this year, fans, players, and staff need to somewhat ignore the win column and look elsewhere for reasons to label this upcoming season a success.