NBA Finals 2016: 5 Things Lakers Should Watch

Mar 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) during the NBA game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from his teammates guard Kyrie Irving (2) and forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets a high five from his teammates guard Kyrie Irving (2) and forward Kevin Love (0) after scoring during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

2. Balancing Differing Personalities Among Stars

There’s no question that the Lakers are still a fair distance away in regards to talent and development from being relevant in the postseason or even sniffing the NBA Finals. However, they have a core with guys like Russell, Clarkson, Julius Randle, and the incoming No. 2 overall pick that could develop into a cast of stars if everything works out ideally moving forward. However, one of the key aspects of dealing with a roster overflowing with star-power is how to balance all of that talent and ego.

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Subsequently, the Lakers have a lot to learn from the NBA Finals in this regard to help them have success in the future. When you look at the roster of the Cavaliers, their roster is loaded with the like of LeBron, Kyrie, and Kevin Love in addition to even players with egos and strong personalities like J.R. Smith. On the other bench you have Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all co-existing.

Having an NBA team be successful while balancing egos and personalities is a delicate task for any organization. While Walton will bring some of that experience to the Lakers as the new head coach of the team, the Lakers organization as a whole could benefit from the NBA Finals by seeing how the Warriors and Cavalier go about handling such a task.

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