Los Angeles Lakers: Bold Predictions For 2016-17 Season
Lakers Get 30+ Wins Next Season
Blossoming young talent. Cohesion. New head coach implementing a more pleasant culture. These are all reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers will undoubtedly be a better team on and off the court in 2016-17.
Gone are the days of deference to an aging Kobe Bryant or fear of fluctuating minutes and opportunities as a result of Byron Scott’s tough love approach. Under Luke Walton, the Lakers’ talented young nucleus will be given the reins to the team’s success and will be allowed to flourish in an uptempo offense that predicates itself on ball and player movement.
The talented trio of Russell, Clarkson and Randle have already put in tremendous work in the offseason and have shown that they are ready to lead the way. All three are vastly improving by the day, which is dangerous for the rest of the league given the potential they put on display last season.
Rookie Brandon Ingram will be given the chance to develop at his own pace, with Luol Deng brought on hand to both provide mentoring to the youngster and perhaps play in the starting role until Ingram is ready.
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The team boasts a solid bench with the likes of Nance, Zubac, Williams, Marcelo Huertas, Tarik Black and Jose Calderon that has the possibility to form a lethal second unit similar to that of Walton’s former team in the Warriors.
Most importantly, the culture and atmosphere are totally different, as the weight of the expectations that came along with a generational superstar like Bryant have been replaced by a college-like environment where players can grow together and develop bonds with one another.
This newfound cohesion should create chemistry on the court, and chemistry always results in better play.
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With immense young talent leading the way bolstered by an improved supporting cast and coaching staff, look for the Lakers to take one step closer to returning to contention and improve to 30-something wins next season.