Lakers Media Day: 3 Takeaways From Monday’s Interviews

3. This Team’s Development is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The absence of Kobe Bryant marks the official beginning of the Lakers’ rebuilding and rebranding, but progress is going to come slowly. Despite all the encouraging signs from this offseason, Walton and company have a very young, very raw team whose potential will need forged by NBA experience. And that means growing pains.

After all the pomp and circumstance during Monday’s Media Day festivities, nothing stood out more than the youth of this team’s foundation. With three key roster pieces under the age of 21 and nearly half the training camp roster under the age of 25, the Lakers’ will need to learn quite a bit before they find themselves anywhere near championship contention.

Bryant’s departure leaves a legend-sized hole to fill, both on the score sheet and among the NBA community. Considering no Laker eclipsed a 16-point scoring average during last season’s 17-win effort, both challenges may prove equally difficult.

The good news? These young guys have A TON of potential and coach Walton seems willing to give them the confidence and freedom the need to succeed, especially Russell.

Walton understands the challenges ahead, and wants to approach them in away that’s best for his maturing team:

"You need to grow from making mistakes and learning how to do it better the next time. We’re going to try to do that as a group."

With training camp finally here and the regular season just one month away, we’re that much closer to following our Purple and Gold on their exciting new journey.

Next: Lakers Debate: Better Backcourt LA or the Milwaukee Bucks?

(4. Nick Young is STILL Here)

Seriously. Why is he still here?