There has been heated debated over what the Los Angeles Lakers goal should be this season. While the organization is famous for its “Championship or Bust” aspirations, this year seems a long shot in that category.
The question then arises: should the Lakers use this season to focus on developing their young players, their experience to win as many games as possible, or a subtle combination of both?
By the end of this article, the answer to that pressing question should be clear. Here are the Lakers player rankings entering the 2015-2016 NBA season.
Oct 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard
(24) and coach
react during the game against the Sacramento Kings at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As of late, Kobe Bryant has gotten used to seeing his name towards the bottom of power rankings lists. Based on his recent injuries, minute restriction, but most importantly, his age, Bryant can no longer be relied on as the Lakers’ go-to guy. Instead, in his 20th season, he must once again adapt, to his new surroundings.
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If Kobe truly bleeds Purple and Gold, this year, his primary objective will be to complement the Lakers’ young core. This will, in turn, cause intrigue amongst prospective free agents. We’re looking at you Kevin Durant.
In the preseason, Bryant, occasionally, showed that he could do just that: knocking down spot up jumpers and limiting his post isolations.
Whether or not Bryant will ever fully embrace this role remains to be seen.
October 22, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) passes the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Before the preseason started, many questioned why Los Angeles would bring in a player so similar to Nick Young. With the preseason as reference, Lou Williams has proven that he’s not just the gun slinging, volume shooter he was pegged to be.
At times, forced to run the second unit, due to point guard injuries, Williams showed his proficiency orchestrating the offense and dishing out assists. While it was apparent that point guard was not Williams regular position, he held his own when required to.
Williams was a smart addition by the Lakers front office and will prove to yield dividends throughout this exciting season.
October 22, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) moves the ball against the defense of Golden State Warriors forward
(23) during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Just like during his Summer League stint, sophomore Julius Randle showed flashes of greatness throughout the preseason. At times he looked like a future All-Star in the making, at others he looked dejected and impatient.
Alongside D’Angelo Russell, Randle will prove to be one of the most interesting storylines to follow this season. It has been said before, but considering he is coming off a season ending injury, Randle has been impressive so far.
He has a long ways to go if he wants to actualize, or surpass, his comparisons to Lamar Odom, Charles Barkley or Blake Griffin, but Lakers fans can expect a great season from him this year. Randle’s confidence, skill set and decision making will only grow with time, meaning fans will need to be patient with him and Russell alike.
Oct 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert (17) dunks the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers in a NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Roy Hibbert is the key to the Lakers defense this season.
Since the departure of Dwight Howard, the Lakers have been devoid of a true rim protector. To the delight of fans and players alike, the answer to the Lakers problems arrived gift wrapped in the form of Roy Hibbert.
Through eight preseason games, Hibbert has proven that he still has some left in the tank, and should not be taken for granted. Further, he has shown his devotion to the team from the get go, which is something that fans should take notice of.
Hibbert was brought on for defensive purposes, meaning any points he scores are an added bonus. This preseason he has shown that he can put up ten plus points on any given night, which could be a sign of things to come.
Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) grabs a loose ball in the first quarter of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Jordan Clarkson was undoubtedly the Los Angeles Lakers’ MVP, and one of the lone bright spots on the year. Now a sophomore, Clarkson has continued his solid play this preseason.
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That said, despite his impressive performance, at times Clarkson has looked confused on the court. This could be due to many things — new system, early in the season, etc. — but it seems like the addition of D’Angelo Russell is causing identity issues.
Last season, Clarkson was relied on as the primary ball handler for the majority of the season after All-Star break.
Clarkson will now have to adjust to sharing ball handling duties in order to be most effective.
Though he did this on occasion with Jeremy Lin, the learning expectation will be quick, considering the Lakers’ overwhelming desire for Russell to succeed.
Who do you think are the Lakers best players? Let us know in the comments below.
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