Early Takeaways from the Lakers Preseason Games

Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and forward Julius Randle (30) react during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Over the summer, Laker players were frequently observed training and scrimmaging together for the purpose of building camaraderie and getting in great physical shape for the Lakers preseason campaign.

Some players lost weight, some sought to perfect their mid-range jump shot, while others worked on strength and conditioning. This led to optimism that the team might start faster than expected, leaving behind the bitter taste of the past two years.

Unfortunately, the first three preseason games ended in defeat.

The team was blown out in the first contest by the Utah Jazz, a painful reminder that while many of the faces have changed, the team is very much still a work in progress and it may take months of playing together before we start to see the real potential.

After a rocky start, the last two games have been entertaining and competitive, with nearly all 19 men on the roster seeing time on the court. Some have looked surprisingly good while others have struggled.

That said, the games have provided room for encouragement and concern.

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