LA Clippers’ Competition: Ranking Pacific Division for 2016-17
By Tom West
5th – Los Angeles Lakers
2015-16 record: 17-65 (5th in Pacific Division)
2016-17 prediction: 26-56
It’s time. It’s time for the post Kobe Bryant era in L.A.
His $25 million salary is off the books, his air-balling, farewell festival is no longer a distraction, and the Lakers can solely focus on their youth movement.
With new head coach Luke Walton, instilling team play, running, and fast paced offense, it’s safe to say his well respected character and coaching style will be a welcome change to the young guys after a year with Byron Scott.
Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell, look forward to not getting randomly benched.
Some reinforcement from the Lakers as the faces of the franchise rather than an old Kobe is what the new core needs. They need that support from Walton and the front office, but it won’t necessarily result in many more wins. Development rather than a playoff pursuit is the aim for these Lakers right now.
Development is on their side, though. Randle is essentially entering his second season after his injured, one-game rookie year in 2014-15. With an average 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per game last season, he showed how potent he can be on the boards and his strong driving game on offense.
Larry Nance Jr. showed his promise as an energizing, athletic role player, so it’s likely there’ll be a little progression from him in his sophomore year, while the real sophomore to watch is, obviously, D’Angelo Russell.
If Russell can continue some of his improved three-point stroke from the latter stages of last season (finishing at 35.1 percent for the year), hone his shooting off the dribble, and simply further his understanding and poise running an NBA offense, his future is still incredibly bright for what he can do at just 20 years old.
Of course, Brandon Ingram is the new kid to watch. At 18, he’s the youngest collegiate player from this year’s draft, with the frail frame to go along with it. Regardless, he was the obvious second best player in the draft class behind Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, and with such length, fluidity and a 41 percent three-point shot in college, Ingram can still contribute as he develops physically and slowly begins his career.
Yes, Timofey Mozgov’s four-year, $64 million contract is one of the ugliest deals of the offseason. Signing Luol Deng for the duration of four years is also a little puzzling, but Deng in particular can still help and lead the young guns. Jordan Clarkson returning is another positive, too.
Overall, while the Lakers are still miles away from ruling the Pacific Division or contending again, more opportunity for others in the absence of Kobe should encourage fans in 2016-17.
Next: 4th place - The young Suns