Kobe Bryant has retired after twenty years of honorable career, closing intense era where there have been victories and satisfactions. And obviously painful defeats and disappointments, until reaching the farewell tour of its legend which now had ran out of fuel in the body: this was the sad leitmotif that accompanied the Los Angeles Lakers in recent years. But then came Luke Walton, the right man to restart, the ideal leader to guide young people in the ascent to its former glory. An innovative game system, a precise identity, a soul. The new head coach is putting in place the pieces of the puzzle, trying to get the best from the various D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Clarkson. Also counting on the support of more experienced people.
Mark Medina.
About Lakers’ situation was expressed in an exclusive interview Mark Medina, a journalist of the ‘LA Daily News‘. An analysis on the current work and the atmosphere that reigns in these parts of the City of Angels.
“The biggest reason for the Lakers large improvement mostly points to Luke Walton’s presence and young players developing better habits. Walton has managed to relate more to players than Byron Scott, while also holding them accountable. Young players have matured with both their play and work habits. Kobe’s retirement tour no longer casts a shadow, but the team still had major issues when Kobe was hurt.
D’angelo Russell, Julius Randle e Jordan Clarkson.
– D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Clarkson: Lakers have young players with crazy potential. Which one of them can become a true superstar of the league in the future? Can Russell be able to keep the keys of the team and to be a leader? Can Randle become the key player a bit ‘as is Draymond Green for Golden State Warriors? (Since Green stated that potentially can become stronger than him)
“That remains to be seen. The sentiment around the league suggests that many expect that role to fall to Russell and/or Ingram. But for both players, that could take time. Although he has emerged as both a player and a leader, Russell still faces questions on how much of a complete player he can be and if he will maintain the improved maturity as a leader. It does not help he missed some time with an injury (sore left knee). The Lakers like how Ingram has grown gradually and see someone becoming a complete player as a wing defender, outside shooter and post player. But his development will take some time as he gets stronger and climbs the team’s pecking order.
The Lakers see Randle having the potential to become a Draymond Green. Although Randle has shown strides in his consistency, power and jump shot, he still is just scratching the surface especially on defense”.
– Brandon Ingram is being inserted gradually inside the team mechanisms. Is it right to start him off the bench in your opinion? Where Ingram can reach in the future?
Lou Williams.
– How important is the contribution in the field and out of veterans like Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng? What do you think of the performances of Lou Williams under the direction of Luke Walton?
– Do you think Lakers will move in the market before the trade deadline?
– Are Lakers fans enthusiastic regarding this young team? Will they have patience to wait for rebuilding process before returning to fight for the top of the league?
TEXTS AND CONTENT ON NBAPASSION.COM BE REPORTED ON OTHER SITES ONLY AFTER THE SOURCE IS ACKNOWLEDGED. ANY VIOLATION WILL BE PUNISHED.
