Great start to kick off the post-Kobe era. We might not be a playoff team this year, but this is going to be a very fun year for us. I've been to a couple preseason games, and I can tell you that our bench is going to close a lot of deficits for us, and will be a strength for us all year. Luke Walton seems like a guy that's destined for this gig, and you can tell that this year's club has a completely different atmosphere. Russell has got to be the hands down favorite for most improved player. Clarkson has a great shot at 6th man. It's nice to see a promising, young foundation show signs of life. Should be an entertaining season!
And that's not to dump on Kobe (too much--I'll openly admit Im not a fan while I acknowledge he more than made up for it with his earlier contributions), but his mindset was never going to let them move on and he was not going to ever be a Jabbar in accepting a different role and playing a third or fourth fiddle.
They are poised to play 'Warrior-Style' ball. Three or four strong players, the coach, and sharing the ball extensively. Some people liked the farewell tour but I found it unwatchable. Should be entertaining again to tune in.
Wont be surprised if they snuck in the playoffs.
I dont necessarily even blame him mostly. The Buss family should have figured all of this out. And they were going to be bad even if his ability to be more mindful of the overall team situation was better. But still, he didnt help.
Anyway, wont be surprised to see Lakers not only improve this year, but become big players in free agency and add some pieces to move past the Clippers and regain their rightful place in the LA pecking order :)
Will they play defense is a big question.