Los Angeles Lakers are without a doubt the most recognizable and storied franchise in the NBA.
The team is synonymous with success and fans in every generation have stories of dominant squads raising banner after banner. From the golden era of George Mikan, to the dynamic duo of Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, the ever-entertaining Showtime Lakers, and the undeniable dominance by Kobe and Shaq, the Lakers’ accomplishments are unmatched.
However, these past few seasons have been ones to forget as the franchise struggled to stay relevant and did not have a direction for the post-Kobe Bryant era. The Lakers were living in the bottom of the Western Conference and there seemed no light at the end of the tunnel.
Winning one championship requires a great deal of luck, so for a franchise that has 16; its fortunes have been favorable for quite some time. However, these recent years suggested that, perhaps, the Basketball Gods finally turned their backs on the Lakers.
The Lakers have had a string of bad luck in recent memory starting with the failed Chris Paul trade. That led to the resurrection of the cross-town rival Clippers and an unfamiliar back seat to them in Los Angeles.
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The loss of Dr. Jerry Buss voided the Lakers of a leader and his impact on the franchise was irreplaceable. That same season saw Dwight Howard become the first star to willingly leave the team in free agency along with a devastating Achilles injury to Kobe Bryant.
Nothing was going right in Laker Land and Staples Center was hosting Clippers post-season games while the Lakers watched from home.
Things started to turn in the right direction when the team drafted a promising big man out of Kentucky by the name of Julius Randle. Randle shined for the Wildcats in their Final Four run and people saw him as the first piece to the rebuilding process in LA. However, when it seemed like there was something exciting brewing for the Lakers, Randle broke his leg in the season opener and was sidelined for the remaining 81 games.
The 2014-15 season became even more heart wrenching for the Lakers when their lone superstar torn his rotator cuff. With the Black Mamba joining Randle on the bench, there was little to no optimism for the Lakers.
For the first time ever, the Lakers looked like a lost organization.
Then came Draft night, 2015.
CONTINUE READING: Lakers Poised To Usher In New Era With Russell, Randle And Clarkson
The Lakers have built their dominance thanks to star-studded frontcourts that opponents just simply could not handle. Mikan was an unstoppable force in Minneapolis, Chamberlain was a dynamic center on both ends of the court, Abdul-Jabbar was untouchable in the paint and Shaq was someone defenses revolved their game plans around.
So it was a simple decision to draft Jahlil Okafor, right? Well, alongside the Lakers’ big men is a legacy of multi-dimensional guards that left their imprint on the franchise, and the NBA. From Jerry West to Magic Johnson, the city of Angels is used to seeing talented guards donning the purple-and-gold.
The NBA is no longer a slowed down game that relies heavily on a big man anchoring the paint. A prime example is the Golden State Warriors and their style of play. The Warriors hoisted the Larry O’Brien by spacing the floor with small, athletic lineups ready to shoot the three.
Although the Lakers understand the value a big man has to a championship roster, in this ever-changing league, the front office embraced the new age of basketball. There are now guards like Russell Westbrook who stun defenses with their athleticism and crafty leaders like Stephen Curry who create from themselves and their teammates.
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This past Thursday, the Lakers got their star for this new era. They got a game changer in D’Angelo Russell and the two are ready to bring the Lakers back to their former glory.
Russell has drawn comparisons to some of the best guards in the NBA and his determination to win in Los Angeles is refreshing to see. The guard out of Ohio State has passing abilities unrivaled in college basketball and that skill is undoubtedly transferable to the pros.
Russell may not be the quickest of point guards, but what he lacks in that category he makes up with his passing, basketball IQ and leadership abilities.
The rookie has embraced everything the Lakers stand for and he has expressed his willingness to learn from Kobe Bryant. As a rookie, the five-time champion strived to become one of the best basketball players this league has ever seen, and Russell seems to have that exact same mindset.
Kobe respects young players who are willing to put in the work it requires to be legendary and he found a great pupil in D’Angelo Russell.
CONTINUE READING: Lakers Poised To Usher In New Era With Russell, Randle And Clarkson
This upcoming season will give the Lakers a glimpse into their future and a chance to see their young talent develop into something special.
Randle will be returning from his horrific injury and all reports indicate that he has made tremendous progress with his game. The forward has developed his mid-range jumper and has worked to become a threat on the defensive end.
Jordan Clarkson won over fans in Los Angeles as he became one of the most talked about rookies after the All-Star break. Clarkson emerged in the second half of the season and his play earned him a spot on the NBA’s First Team All-Rookie Team.
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A young nucleus of Russell, Randle and Clarkson is just what this franchise needs moving forward. There was so much concern regarding the team’s ability to contend with no plans post-Kobe Bryant. Now, however, the Lakers have the pieces to be fighting for championships for the next decade.
“Big Threes” have been sprouting all over the NBA as veterans look to join their companions in pursuit of titles. This “Big Three” in Los Angeles is a little different. It is built through the draft and the players are eager to build their own legacy with an organization accustomed to greatness.
Russell, Randle and Clarkson seem poised to silence the critics and do what it takes to elevate their games, as well as the Lakers.
Get use to smiling fans; these three are staged to keep you entertained as the next great Los Angeles Lakers.
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