LA Lakers Rebuilding The Right Way

The Los Angeles Lakers have been historically bad these past few seasons. We can chalk it up to bad luck and front office blunders. The 16-time champs have whiffed on free agents in consecutive years and their most glorified super star is nearing retirement. The Lakers organization seems to be in shambles at the moment. Laker Nation is losing their minds. That may soon change.

I have good news for the Laker faithful. A new day is coming sooner rather than later. Despite the misfortunes the franchise has faced, they have set themselves up for a bright future by collecting young prospects. Promising players that will make up a nice core that will carry the team into the franchise’s next chapter.

The Lakers are rebuilding the team the right way.

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Let’s begin with NBA All-Rookie first teamer, Jordan Clarkson. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and Co saw his potential and quickly snatched him up with the 46^th pick in the 2014 draft. An athletic 6-foot-5 combo guard that impressed in his first year and drawing praises from other NBA players. Under the tutelage of future Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, Clarkson’s ceiling is sky high. His confidence is through the roof and will surely reflect his game in his sophomore year. Nash said of he 23-year-old to LakersNation’ Serena Winters, “He has a lot of wisdom for a young player.”He’s fearless when he attacks the basket and plays with a swagger that shows his star potential.

Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) drives into the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Adreiann Payne (33) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Moving on to the Lakers’ two lottery picks Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell who will be entering their rookie campaigns. Randle (actually a 2^nd year player) played three full quarters in his professional career until he broke his leg. During Summer League he showed Laker fans his quickness, skill and power. A micro sample size but he showed us a glimpse of what he will bring to the team. If he can develop a consistent 18-20 foot jumper and build on his post moves, he will be a handful for other teams. A huge weapon on the block for the Lakers. At 20 years old, he will be a valuable commodity for the Lakers.

Russell on the other hand has star potential written all over him. He dazzled scouts while he was with the Buckeyes and now will continue to grace the hardwood with his dynamic play. A combo guard similar to Clarkson but with better passing ability and three-point range. The No. 2 overall pick was drafted over highly-touted Jahlil Okafor, who was the most NBA-ready prospect according to scouts. A lot of pressure is mounted on the 19-year-old Russell, but he is looking forward to the challenge. He brings an array of skills to the Lakers that combined with the slashing prowess of Clarkson could turn out to be one the most dynamic back courts in the NBA. If Russell works out with Nash as Clarkson hinted, it could be beneficial to him and the Lakers future.

Jordan Clarkson told me he is planning on future workouts with Steve Nash. He believes D'Angelo Russell will be included as well.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) July 16, 2015

In just two drafts the Lakers have added three core pieces to their rebuild in Clarkson, Randle and Russell. LA scoured the market last season to find two gems in Jabari Brown and Tarik Black. Brown was sitting in their D-League affiliate scoring buckets. His call up to the senior team was due to an injury-plagued roster. To the Lakers good fortune he became instant offense and was quickly signed to a multi-year deal.

Black was acquired on the waiver wire when he was released by the Houston Rockets. LA found an energetic big man that rebounded, played defense and hustled on every play. One the many reasons Houston was hesitant on releasing him. He brought a Jordan Hill-like presence when he entered games. A versatile big man that can provide quality minutes off the bench at the power forward and center positions. Both Brown and Black are on non-guaranteed contracts this season and I’m sure the Lakers will find a spot on the roster for both.

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Finally the Lakers are piling up young assets from this year’s draft to bolster their roster. Larry Nance Jr, Anthony Brown were selected in the draft and could have pivotal roles in the roster if Nick Young, Ryan Kelly and/or Robert Sacre get traded. LA also signed undrafted rookies Jonathan Holmes (Texas) who had an outstanding Summer League with the Celtics and Michael Frazier (Florida) to minimum deals. LA reportedly agreed to a deal with former defensive standout Robert Upshaw but nothing became official. According to Eric Pincus of the L.A. Times, his signing is still on the cards.

All rookies could be stashed with the D-Fenders if they need to get some minutes if they can’t crack the rotation. A tremendous opportunity for the young Lakers to continue developing their game and be ready when called upon. The Lakers brought in a number a vets in the off-season that may prevent the first-year players from stepping onto the court.

The Lakers have accumulated some nice pieces in this rebuilding project. So much youth full of potential that if they pan out could make the Lakers much more appealing to free agents. Armed with plenty of cap space the Lakers could be in contention sooner rather than later. Their patience could be rewarded soon enough.

Next: LA Lakers: Top 5 Games Of The 2015-16 Season

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