The focus for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the 2015-16 NBA season will be developing their young players. D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle make up a promising young core that may lead this team into the future.
— What will Roy Hibbert make this season? Find out here! —
Fortunately, these three young players are already starting to make an impression on the veterans on the team. Newcomer Roy Hibbert was recently interview by Chris McGee of TWCSportsNet and was asked about Clarkson, Russell and Randle. Hibbert only had high praise for the young trio, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Roy Hibbert on working w/ the Lakers youngins (1/2): "It’s good, they have a lot of work ethic, you don’t have to tell them to work…"
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) August 27, 2015
(2/2): "They get in early they work hard on the court, always eager to learn & they have some swagger to them." (Hibbert on @TWCSportsNet)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) August 27, 2015
Along with already showing a desire to improve their game, another benefit for these young players next season will be playing alongside some proven veterans like Hibbert. Obviously, Kobe Bryant’s presence and knowledge will likely be the most beneficial for these three up-and-comers, but there’s a few others that will also help their development.
The additions of Hibbert, Lou Williams and Brandon Bass will help bolster the roster in three different positions while also providing potential mentors for Randle, Clarkson and Russell. Randle may stand to benefit the most with Bass already indicating a desire to mentor the young frontcourt players.
Although the Lakers aren’t getting much consideration as a potential playoff team, the combination of these young players with these savvy veterans may surprise some people throughout the course of the upcoming season. So far, the talented trio have the right mindset while the veterans are coming in with a chip on their shoulders and ready to prove their worth in Los Angeles.
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