With Kobe Bryant gone, the Los Angeles Lakers have become downright insignificant in the world's highly-entertaining basketball stage. A recent status quo that saw the hiring of legendary star and Showtime anchor Magic Johnson as the team's President of Basketball Operations may offer hope for the future. It cannot be denied that the Tinseltown organization will have difficulty climbing back into contention even with the presence of talented up and coming newcomers.
Perhaps the biggest question to date will be who will become the Los Angeles Lakers' next franchise player. Over the years, the Buss family-led organization has managed to acquire a number of potential cornerstones. Forward Julius Randle has been drafted in 2014 while D'Angelo Russell comes in as the second overall pick in 2015. Last year, another number 2 selection in Brandon Ingram has joined the group.
Although there are flashes of brilliance on the court, the Lakers' dead-last standing in the NBA Western Conference has everything to tell except winning. What have been further noted are the inconsistency of players and the miscalculated team buildup of management. Over the last three seasons, the team has put together a discouraging 65-181 win-loss tally.
According to one scout from the Eastern Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers have three to four players who can actually make a difference on the court. These young guns simply lack the experience to execute plays and win games. Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson are exceptional talents off the bench but they still need to blossom out.
On the other hand, there is also a leadership issue on the team. Considering that the Lakers' roster is loaded with both young and old talents, it is hard to find a natural voice on and off the court. D'Angelo Russell is averaging around 15.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game but his ability to assume the alpha role is nowhere in sight.
How the Los Angeles Lakers will become competitive again may lean now on the efforts of the front office and their coaching staffs. Head Coach Luke Walton needs to seriously look into blending the talents of his players. It is also time for Magic Johnson to look for experience and complementary potentials for this young team.
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