LA Lakers: 2015 Season Preview

The Young Squad

Oct 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) is pursued by Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) in a NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If the preseason is any indication, the Lakers have found their nucleus of the future in Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and D’Angelo Russell.

Randle is coming off an injury that kept him sidelined since opening night of the 2014-15 season.

He has been on an absolute tear during preseason, showing all facets of his game.

He does have to work on his outside shooting, but his inside game is something for opponents to fear.

The Lakers have already picked up his third-year team option, a sign that the organization believes greatly in the second year player.

Clarkson is on a mission to prove that his All-Rookie First Team selection was not a fluke.

He’s shown improved range during the preseason, and looks as athletic as ever.

His versatility allows him to play both guard positions which in turns gives Byron Scott a myriad of choices on how he wants to run his team.

Russell is the highest draft pick since the Lakers picked James Worthy with the number one overall pick in 1982.

During preseason, Russell has shown flashes of the great passing that made him the number two overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

He’s struggled with his shot but he’s shown against the Blazers more composure and better shot selection.

If these three can develop on-court chemistry, the Lakers will be in good hands.

Next: Closing Thoughts