Lamar Odom: Odom has had quite a rough summer. From burying his cousin to a freak accident which killed a 15-year-old boy, it would be to no surprise if basketball weren’t Odom’s top priority. Thoughts of Odom taking a starting role in the lineup have been suggested for the new season, making for a very tall front line with Gasol and Bynum. Whether Odom starts or not, I can only hope consistency will become a theme for him.
Matt Barnes: Matt Barnes’ quick hands and aggressive defense should fit in perfectly with Mike Browns’ defensive objectives: swarming the ball, covering the lane and shrinking the floor. Moreover, I hope Barnes’ fighter attitude and spirit can infect his fellow teammates. In doing so, Barnes can help to create the utmost hostile environment for any opponent the Lakers may face.
Darius Morris: The 41st pick of the 2011 draft, Morris has a promising future as the next starting point guard. He’s 6’5, has long arms, good court-vision and a solid shot inside the three-point line. With guidance from Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, Morris has the potential to develop into a solid point guard, which is exactly what the Lakers need right now.
Luke Walton: The days where Walton’s passing played an important role in the triangle offense are long gone. With Walton’s new coaching position for the Memphis Tigers, Walton should become more of a vocal leader from the bench. His veteran experience with the Lakers organization should be very useful for mentoring the younger players such as Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock.
Whenever the season may begin the Lakers should play like they just finished their series against Dallas. They should play with anger, revenge and pride. They should take back what is rightfully theirs and remind everyone that Kobe Bryant and his teammates are still the team to beat in the NBA.