5 Things We’ve Learned From The Los Angeles Lakers’ Early-Season Action

Luke Walton’s Presence Already Making A Difference

Believe it or not, the Lakers are actually looking like a quality club in 2016-17. While the on-court performance has obviously improved, I believe the biggest difference maker is the guy calling the shots.

Yes, Luke Walton’s triumphant return suddenly has this Lakers team looking like a competitive bunch. Not only are the players willing to put it all on the line to win for him (via Lakers Nation’s Serena Winters), but he’s doing what he can to put them in position to be winners.

Walton has done it before with the Golden State Warriors, and he’s doing it again with his former team. In fact, he found a way to knock off the reigning MVP and his gang of Finals shoe-ins already this season.

Just think about this–the Lakers are playing better defense, more efficient offense and are showing way more hustle than a season ago. Walton has somehow turned Nick Young into a reliable contributor, and is coaxing the best possible basketball out of Randle.

He’s also done a great job of bringing along Ingram at the right pace.

It’s all coming together for the Lakers, and Walton is a huge part of this rapid progress. The passion and tenacity have been re-injected into this roster, which could lead to big things very soon.