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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Reasons To Be Excited

By Stephen Findley

April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of balloons and confetti falling following the Los Angeles Lakers 101-96 victory against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of balloons and confetti falling following the Los Angeles Lakers 101-96 victory against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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LOS ANGELES, USA – JANUARY 1: D’Angelo Russell (L) and Julius Randle of Lakers are seen during NBA match between Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California on January 1, 2016. (Photo by Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, USA – JANUARY 1: D’Angelo Russell (L) and Julius Randle of Lakers are seen during NBA match between Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California on January 1, 2016. (Photo by Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

3. Lakers young core

In his rookie year, I don’t think we got to fully appreciate the talent of D’Angelo Russell (13.2PPG, 3.3APG). Yes, he had some better nights towards the end of the season, but I didn’t see the court vision that I adored from his college highlights.

Without giving up my age, I was a huge Anfernee Hardaway fan and, while Russell is not as athletic, I’m enamored with him as a big PG that can see over a defense and exhibit his court vision.

Jordan Clarkson continues to grow into a well-rounded guard. Despite the shot dominance of Kobe Bryant, Clarkson increased his scoring (11.9 PPG in 2015 to 15.5 PPG in 2016) whilst starting in 79 games. Clarkson has already voiced his excitement for playing under Luke Walton (per NBA.com):

“I was real excited when I heard he got hired. It’s kinda one of those things where we’re just kinda waiting for (Warriors) to be done so he can come and start working.” Jordan Clarkson

Big men Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. both showed promise and potential in their rookie seasons as well (Randle was sidelined for the majority of the 2014-15 campaign due to injury).

Randle was somewhat criticized for his dominant left hand but very few defenses were able to contain him (11.2 PPG, 10.1 RPG). Nance was a pleasant surprise displaying athleticism and heart that someone like Walton will be able to utilize (5.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG).

Next: 4. Draft Pick

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