With 29 nationally televised games, it’s clear everyone is interested in the Lakers, regardless if they’ll sink or succeed this season. At first glance, the schedule looks to be quite difficult at of the gate and the final stretch doesn’t look too inviting either.
Regardless, with all the change this off-season, several new Lakers will make returns to their former homes as we take a look at the Lakers who are trending up and down.
Trending Up:
Pau Gasol
While his relationship with Mike D’Antoni wasn’t the greatest last season, it sounds like Pau is going to be featured more in the offense and give the Lakers a low-post threat they’ve been missing.
Jettisoned to the perimeter with Dwight Howard around, Pau should see most, if not all, of his looks inside as the new assistant coach Kurt Rambis acknowledged the need for an inside-out offense.
Nick Young
Young is already a fan favorite as he’s been spotted at the Drew League several times this summer as he looks to improve his game for the upcoming season.
While it looks like Kobe will be ready for opening night, Young will see a lot of time at the small forward position and if he comes to training camp in good shape, he could be vying for a starting position. The USC alum definitely has the support of the fan base and he should provide a lot of entertainment this season.
Marcus Landry
Anytime you get an invite to Lakers camp, things are going well. Landry impressed everyone during summer league as he was able to stretch the floor, a staple in D’Antoni’s system.
While he’s only on a partially guaranteed contract, Landry has a chance to make the roster, but also make the Lakers take another look at Lamar Odom if things don’t work out.
Trending Down:
Lamar Odom
Once thought of a perfect fit with the Lakers, Odom hasn’t been on the teams radar after they signed Elias Harris and Landry to smaller contracts.
While he’s stated his desire to remain in Los Angeles and with the Clippers looking like they’ve moved on, Odom might not get the chance to play in the NBA this season.
Steve Nash
Nobody thought that trying out with Inter Milan was a good idea in the first place and after hearing that he couldn’t run at full speed, Nash doesn’t sound like he’s 100 percent.
After a dismal season last year, he’s vowed to give the Lakers what they paid for this season as he’ll need to produce or else it’ll be a long season in LA.
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