The Lakers Have Had A Surprisingly Successful Season So Far

The first half of this season for the Lakers has been a roller coaster ride, but the development of the younger players and Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour has wildly successful.

When Kobe Bryant announced this would be his final season in the NBA, I had mixed emotions about it. Bryant was a guy I watched since I was about seven years old, and he’s easily become my favorite athlete of all time.

Seeing him leave is saddening at times, but it’s best for him and for the Lakers organization.

He has showed recent Los Angeles draft picks D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Anthony Brown and Julius Randle all how to be a professionals at the highest level.

Developing the Lakers’ young players has been encouraging at times and other times it has been a little depressing. Nevertheless, seeing every player grow each game is what we’ve seen the first half of the season.

For instance, Clarkson has been very impressive at times this season and he has looked like a sophomore as well. One thing Clarkson needs to work on but has go improved at is creating for his teammates and making the extra pass.

Defensively, Clarkson has been solid, but the whole team needs to improve defensively also.

Therefore, in terms of identifying the problem, I wouldn’t single out Clarkson.

Randle missed his rookie season due to his broken leg but he has bounced back nicely this season. He is averaging a double-double and leads the Lakers in doubles-doubles, with 21.

With that being said, Randle still needs to improve; he tends to rely on his quickness a little too much.

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As a result, his post moves and pick & roll offense is something that I would like to see him improve.

Russell, Nance Jr., and Brown have had growing pains of their own, but they have been solid nonetheless.

For instance, Russell had a bad start to the season, but has picked up his play as of late.

In the month of February, Russell has been averaging about 14 points per game and the second half of the season — I expect him to average at least go up to 15 points per game, 5 assist, and 5 rebounds.

He wont win rookie of the year honors, but if he can record these types of numbers this last half of the season, then it will be exciting for the Lakers going forward.

Russell needs to improve his play, and he can start by choosing to stop being careless with the ball, take better shots, get more people involved, and of course his defense needs to improve heavily.

I would like to see him use his 6’5 frame more on the smaller guards.

Brown and Nance Jr. made an impact in the first half of the season, and both have potential to be nice pieces for this young team going forward.

Brown’s perimeter defense is good and he will improve; he also has the potential to be a good three-and-D type player.

Nance JR has played well but his injury has held him back this past month. But I hope his jump shot continues to improve and his defense.

With that in mind, the team knows full well what they need to do to keep this season going steadily.