Even though the 2015-16 NBA season has been one to forget for the Los Angeles Lakers, there is finally something to cheer for at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour has been great to see, but the franchise and fans will eventually have to move on. At first, the team’s young core was struggling to make an impact on the court, but with an increase in playing time, the young stars are living up to the hype.
D’Angelo Russell was selected second overall in this past draft and some were calling him a bust after not performing up to expectations. However, he was not getting the playing time he deserved and fans were upset with head coach Scott for keeping him on the bench.
This same was the case for Julius Randle, who despite averaging a double-double, was playing in the second unit. Now, things have changed for the Lakers and the young players are getting the chance to showcase their skills.
After the Lakers win over the Orlando Magic, team veteran Metta World Peace chimed in on the young players and the recent success of the team, via Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles:
Metta explaining to me how/why kids got to this point: “They get tired of fucking losing, I bet that.”
Clarkson in the background: “Word”
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) March 9, 2016
Russell, Clarkson and Randle put on an impressive performance against the Magic and it was perhaps their best game together. Russell poured in 27 points to go along with three assists and three steals. Randle put up yet another double-double, this time with 23 points and 11 rebounds. As for Clarkson, he tallied up 24 points and five rebounds.
The Lakers have now won two consecutive games and will be looking to extend that streak when the Cleveland Cavaliers come into town on Thursday night.